Category: Member Stories

Lillas Hatala: Opening to Grace

In the past three years, Lillas has journeyed to the ragged edge of sadness, loss, and grief, and instead of toppling into the dark abyss, she somehow found solid ground … a knowingness that settled her soul and revived her joy.

Rosa Escobar: finding cancer support at Wellspring

Rosa was a busy 44-year-old raising three kids of her own and caring for many other kids at her much loved day home, when she began experiencing strange physical symptoms.

Andrew Del Frari: “Wellspring helped me turn my life around”

Andrew Del Frari has worked incredibly hard to reinvent his life, after a cancer diagnosis at age 52 ended his 26-year career in the education field, and left him with limited mobility and a diminished sense of purpose.

Shelley Harley: cancer survivor finds support at Wellspring

Shelley Harley’s number one guardian angel has a soft coat, floppy ears, and impeccable loyalty. She is a Bernedoodle; and like Shelley, she is a cancer survivor.

Becky Trussell: impassioned Wellspring member, program leader & donor

Becky Trussell was a respected Calgary physician specializing in pediatric endocrinology for 25 years. She was also a wife, busy mother of two, avid researcher, budding photographer, and an extraordinary role model to many in the medical world. Then one day, cancer rocked her world.

Karla Medkova: unexpected awakening

Karla Medkova never imagined that in the midst of a pandemic that shook the world, she would face a more ominous threat – breast cancer at age 34. But this young woman, who is not yet a year past diagnosis and has come through many months of gruelling treatment, isn’t shattered at all – she is impossibly whole.

Christine Lo: TikTok llama brings cancer relief

Christine Lo has found relief from cancer by creating a TikTok account featuring her pet llama Cosmo. She has also learned to be present and take in all the wonders of her country home life, from hawks to Northern Lights.

Trevor Hamon: throat cancer veteran on a mission

Trevor Hamon felt like the only person in the world living with an agonizing form of throat cancer. Today, 14 years after diagnosis, he has cultivated a passion for cancer research, and with the support of his Wellspring community, he knows he is not alone on this difficult path.

Tina Slade: embracing a reframed life

Tina Slade applies her signature brand of dark humour to cope with the challenges of cancer. Read how this Nanton-based lab tech views life through a new lens when she gets to the other side.

Mike Wark: young adult from Red Deer finds cancer support

When Mike Wark was diagnosed with cancer as a young adult at age 27, he leaned into his faith, and navigated the rocky road to wellness by applying his courageous spirit and his bold mountain biking skills.