Page 18 - Wellspring Adopt a Program

“Wellspring’s compassionate,

non-judgmental support
reduces fear and anxiety,

and helps with a return of
some normalcy.”

— Helen, Wellspring member

Helen was diagnosed with a fast-growing cancer in the thick of the Omicron outbreak
in 2021. At 38, she embarked on a long and isolating journey through cancer treatment
that involved chemo, surgeries, and debilitating side effects like pain, nausea, sores,
fatigue, and concerns with her heart. “I felt like a bystander in my own home,” she said,
unable to care for her young children and even herself at times. Struggling with COVID
and cancer at the same time made the journey even more difficult.

When she started losing weight, the hospital recommended that Helen join Wellspring’s
nutritional program, Nourish. It worked, and she and her family began eating well again.
She then began to take other programs at Wellspring too, like Chair Yoga to help with
her pain and balance, and Cancer Exercise, which has reduced her swelling, pain, and
fatigue, while building her strength and endurance. She also recalls that she would
arrive at Wellspring in her slippers when she could no longer wear shoes. Having people
to connect with lowered her fear and anxiety, and she says that she always felt better.

Helen’s two children also felt isolated, coping with the pandemic while watching their
mother go through cancer treatment. She took them to a pediatric holiday event at
Wellspring, which she said was a lot fun. Meeting other kids in similar situations after
months of isolation made a big difference for them. “It had been very hard on all of us,
and this was definitely a turning point,” she added. “When I lost my hair, it really set
in for them,” she explains, noting that she then turned her attention to Wellspring’s
other programs for children and families to make sure they would receive the support
they needed. “Wellspring’s compassionate, non-judgmental support reduces fear and
anxiety, and helps with a return of some normalcy.”