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6 Message from the Publishers, Source Media Group
8 Message from the President of the Board, Wellspring Calgary and Cancervive
13 Adapting to a new normal
Wellspring Calgary a beacon of support and understanding for people battling cancer
14 Upcoming Events
9 Wellspring Calgary
focuses on living well with cancer
15 Steve Lilly Sponsor profile
11 Moira Lemke Member profile
15 Murray Danyluk
11 Greg McBroom
Member profile
16 Sharing the journey
12 Kevin Yorston
Sponsor profile
Cancervive cyclists ride together to make a difference
Facilitator profile
12 Kathie MacDuff
Facilitator profile
Thank You to our supporters APEX Limited Partnership Cardel Homes Cedarglen Homes Source Media Group Stepper Custom Homes United Communities Walton
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message
Living the dream As co-publishers of Source Media Group, we are extremely PUBLISHER
proud to be sponsoring this Living The Dream magazine in
Source Media Group info@sourcemediagroup.ca
support of Wellspring Calgary for the third straight year. Like many people who support Wellspring in one way or
Associate PUBLISHER
Jim Zang
| Editor
another, Source Media Group has a personal connection to
jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca
the cause; we’ve all had a family member, friend or loved
Art director
Jean Faye Rodriguez
one who has had cancer. We have current and former
jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca
employees who are cancer survivors. Make no mistake, cancer is personal, especially for those who have it. Wellspring ensures that people have the
Norma Robertson Richard MacQuarrie Publishers, Source Media Group
opportunity to receive the social, moral and emotional support they need. In many cases, from people who have been there, or who are walking
graphic designerS
Dave Macaulay dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca
Megan Sereda megan.sereda@sourcemediagroup.ca production co-ordinator
Colleen Leier
that same journey right now. That’s why our company sponsors and participates in events like the Toupee For A Day promotion, as well as the Cancervive bicycle ride. It’s also why we produce this magazine, with post-production proceeds from all advertising sales going to Wellspring. Thanks again to those who supported this publication directly, and to those who support Wellspring in many other ways. It all goes to a great cause that’s, well, kind of personal.
colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca Contributors
Aaliya Essa, Cathy Nickel, David Shepherd photography
Aaliya Essa, Don Molyneaux, Allison Seto Director of sales
Norma Robertson norma.robertson@sourcemediagroup.ca Advertising SALES
Cindy Marks cindy.marks@sourcemediagroup.ca Accounting
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca
Living the Dream® is published by Source Media Group Corp. in support of Cancervive and Wellspring Calgary, and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publishers. Copyright 2012 by Source Media Group Corp. All rights reserved. Source Media Group Corp. agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. Contact: Source Media Group, 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0J9. E-mail info@sourcemediagroup.ca Tel 403.532.3101; Fax 403.532.3109 Toll free 1.888.932.3101; Printed in Canada. Distributed by Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group. PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NO. 41072011. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Source Media Group, 207 - 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0J9.
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message
Cancervive has been one of Calgary’s largest cumulative sources of funding since the day Wellspring Calgary opened its doors in 2006. They have impressively raised over $2 million dollars for Wellspring Calgary. We are blessed to have such a strong and dedicated fundraising partner. The support of Cancervive has allowed Wellspring Calgary to concentrate on delivering diverse and robust programs and services for those living with cancer, as well as their family and friends. The programs include a variety of movement and exercise, expressive arts, and core educational programs in addition to a speaker series featuring knowledgeable guest experts. All of these are offered free of charge and without need for referral. Our Wellspring Calgary members tell us repeatedly that our services are an instrumental part of their healing journey. On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and members of Wellspring Calgary, I am pleased to extend both our sincere gratitude and best wishes to each and every rider as they embark on this journey. With every pedal stroke, riders should take strength from the knowledge that their energy and fundraising is fuelling this amazing partnership that directly
David Harvie President of the Board of Directors, Wellspring Calgary
benefits those taking a cancer journey eased by the support of others. Through these programs and other supportive offerings, Wellspring Calgary realizes its vision – ensuring that no one has to face cancer alone.
k As president of the Cancervive Foundation of Alberta, I am proud to celebrate the 9th anniversary of our partnership with Wellspring. The relationship has grown over 9 years from a supportive group looking to help open the very first Calgary Wellspring facility, to a dedicated team of committed individuals who have collectively cycled through 2 countries, across 6 provinces and 18 states, in rain, snow, wind, ice, in daylight, night-time, over prairies and mountains, sharing tears and laughter and one common goal. If you ask any one of the riders or volunteers on any of the rides why they do it, you will find a common thread in their answers. Each and every individual may have their own personal motivation for being involved but all will insist that the riding and commitment it takes, pales in comparison to the strength required upon receiving a cancer diagnosis. The Cancervive mission of “Working together in support of those living with and surviving beyond cancer” wholly embodies the Wellspring vision “no one has to face cancer alone”. This year we are excited to be riding in our first ever “Tour du Cancervive” where we will embark on a 4 day, 430 km tour of Alberta to continue raising funds for Wellspring and awareness of the impacts of a diagnosis. Visit us at www.cancervive.ca for more information, join us at Wellspring Calgary on September 14th as we end our 4 day journey and consider helping us by either the gift of a donation or the gift of a volunteer commitment for next year. Together we can ensure that no one ever faces cancer alone.
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Heather Friesen President, Cancervive Board of Directors
wellspring By Cathy Nickel
Wellspring Calgary focuses on living well with cancer
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cancer diagnosis can turn your life upside down. So when people find a place that truly helps them make sense of and live well in a “new normal,” it’s no surprise to hear them say that walking through the doors of Wellspring Calgary feels like coming home. At the aptly named Carma House in northwest Calgary, anyone with any kind Patti Morris of cancer, as well as their family members and caregivers, at any point along the cancer journey, will find a unique set of programs, resources and support — as well as laughter, relationships, jobs and income, even hair or parts of camaraderie and understanding — all under one roof. their body. There’s often fear and isolation. Patti Morris and Wellspring Calgary volunteers, program “Wellspring Calgary members ‘get’ all that,” Patti facilitators and staff wouldn’t have it any other way. notes. “Here, you can be yourself. Everyone may not “Wellspring Calgary really is about living well with have the same kind of cancer, but everyone has the cancer,” says Patti, Wellspring Calgary executive director. shared experience of living with cancer or caring for “We’re not defining life by the limitations of cancer, but someone who has cancer.” offering a place to connect and find a positive, vibrant Since it opened in 2007, following in the steps of a community of inspiration and support.” successful model begun in Toronto more than 20 years Cancer can be an incredible physical and mental ago, Wellspring Calgary has evolved into a community challenge. It can be life-threatening. Treatment can labour of love and compassion like no other. It receives be difficult. People can lose confidence, friends, no core government funding, and volunteer and financial support from generous individuals and organizations — including Cancervive, which Patti says has been “an incredible partner over the past nine years and instrumental in helping to sustain us” — ensures that everyone who needs Wellspring Calgary programs can access them at no charge. — Patti Morris, executive director “Everyone’s journey is individual,
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“Wellspring Calgary really is about living well with cancer . . . [It’s] a place to connect and find a positive, vibrant community of inspiration and support.”
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so we enable members to choose what they need when they need it,” Patti explains. Some take advantage of the healing power of physical activity, journalling or art. Some learn how to deal with the “brain fog” often associated with cancer treatment. Others develop strategies to return to work or to deal with financial issues. Many drop in just for a cup of tea or conversation. Programs are practical, high quality and backed by evidence proving their effectiveness. In fact, Wellspring Calgary is such a positive force in people’s lives that several members, who are part of the University of Calgary’s Patient and Community Engagement Research initiative, took on a project last year to discover why it works so well. “The group looked at how the spaces at Carma House are used, conducted focus groups and, with facilitators’ and participants’ approval, observed and took part in a number of programs,” Patti explains. “Their analysis showed that the space itself creates a shared energy, and that this encourages people to contribute. One of the researchers described it as becoming more engaged in an energy-filled, joyful place, surrounded by positivity, where you are better able to move forward.” The organization works hard to meet increasing demand that is driven by continuing growth within the city and surrounding areas, as well as advances in cancer treatment. Today, Wellspring Calgary operates at near capacity and Patti says it has received funding from the Alberta Cancer Foundation to develop growth strategies to make programs and services more widely accessible. A pilot project in Auburn Bay earlier this year showed clearly how much pent-up interest there is, particularly
“We’re striving to be accessible to people throughout the city and also in smaller communities, while preserving the integrity and quality of what we do.”
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in Calgary’s south. Cedarglen Homes transformed one of its showhomes into “Wellspring Calgary South” for a few months (and auctioned the home in June, with all proceeds going to Wellspring Calgary), and Patti says programs were almost immediately oversubscribed. “Up to 40 per cent of people in some classes were from rural areas to the south of the city,” she notes, “and many of the participants were young, which makes sense because these programs were serving young communities. “We’re striving to be accessible to people throughout the city and also in smaller communities, while preserving the integrity and quality of what we do,” she says. “We feel strongly that we want to continue to respond to the demand, but it’s essential that we do so thoughtfully and in a way that’s sustainable.” Community support — the same grassroots support that has been instrumental in nurturing Wellspring Calgary since its establishment — will make that possible, Patti says. “It’s exciting to be part of a community helping a community. Wellspring Calgary is a beautiful example of what happens when many people come together in many ways to make a profound difference in people’s lives. We believe no one should have to face cancer alone — and our community makes that possible.”
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member profile By David Shepherd Photos by Allison Seto
Moira Lemke
sits at the edge of a massage table. She adjusts her pink headscarf and chooses her words carefully. “Just before I received my diagnosis, I felt great. Healthy. Fit. I’d just returned from three weeks of vacation in Australia.” The first week back she had a mammogram. Ten days later she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and everything changed. “I felt like I was punched in the gut,” says Lemke. “I had no expectation of it, it was just a regular mammogram. I couldn’t detect it myself. I was a healthy, active person. I remember my doctor saying ‘You’re taking this very well.’ But that’s how I’ve always been. Okay. What’s the next step?” For Lemke, the next step was Wellspring. She learned about it through one of the founders, Rita Egizii. When Lemke took medical leave from her day job as an MBA career consultant, Wellspring filled the void. She began by taking the Look Good Feel Better class, which helps people deal with the realities of cancer, like losing their hair and eyebrows. She followed that with classes in tai-chi, reflexology, and a group drum circle. If she could sum up Wellspring in one word, it would be acceptance. “I went to a private yoga studio after I was diagnosed, and it felt like people were staring at me. At Wellspring, no one blinks an eye. You participate at your own pace and work within what you can do.” Lemke relaxes onto the reflexology table, a heart-warming smile appearing on her face. “I’m still learning how the diagnosis changed my life. My relationship with my husband and my three boys is much stronger, much closer. You learn so much about yourself and about how you deal with things. I have strength I never knew I had.”
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Greg McBroom
balances with his toes on a blue exercise ball, his palms on an exercise mat. He pumps out ten push ups, hops to his feet, and claps his hands together, a smile on his face. “Bladder cancer.” He shoves the ball into the exercise room’s closet. “The first real diagnosis was two years ago, when I had to have my kidney and part of my bladder removed. At first everything came back clear. Then, last November, it was discovered again.” The diagnosis has not only changed McBroom, but also altered the way he thinks about life. “It’s really made me think about how I want to live. Now I try to be more positive and to eat healthier. I appreciate every day more. I’m living with more awareness.” McBroom found Wellspring thanks to an orientation at Tom Baker, and he’s never looked back. He currently takes seven classes, including Exercise and Educate, drumming, hiking, and cross country skiing in the winter. “It’s an awesome place be able to go, where either caregivers or people with cancer are your support network. Everyone there is going through something similar or has been through something similar, everyone knows what you’re dealing with. It’s a really comfortable, really positive energy place. You’re safe there.” McBroom wipes a bead of sweat from his brow, shakes the soreness from his arms. “I get a really positive, good energy from Wellspring. I can’t say enough about it.” The exercise instructor leads her class through the door. McBroom follows her outside, his smile never leaving his face.
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facilitator profile By David Shepherd Photos by Allison Seto
Kevin Yorston
When you ask Kevin Yorston about his diagnosis of testicular cancer, the first thing he does is glance at his two-year old daughter, Abby. “At the time, my wife was four months pregnant with Abby. I wanted to be there to help her, but I had to be the one asking for help. Having the little one to look forward to a few months down the road was my motivation.” He relaxes into his chair and grins as his daughter admires a sculpture of folded paper cranes. “I found Wellspring through the brochures at Tom Baker. I came down and the people were super welcoming, and I just right away enjoyed the programs.” For Yorston, the connection he found through Wellspring was key to helping him through more difficult times. “Just finding other people to connect with – that’s a big part of cancer, sometimes, just finding others who can understand. You don’t feel alone, but you don’t always have to explain to people what’s going on. They get it here, so that’s a huge part of it.” “For a while I’ve wanted to give back and help in the community in some way, and I have the chance to do that with Wellspring.” Yorston will be the young adult coordinator for Wellspring. He’ll be responsible for connecting facilitators, getting events set up, and getting the word out through social media and marketing campaigns. “It’s a pretty new position – both for Wellspring and for me.” Yorston and his daughter stand next to the exit, a backpack slung over his shoulder. He lifts his daughter to the sky, then hugs her close to his chest. “I have some hard times, some ups and downs, but having her in my life is all the motivation I need.”
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Kathie MacDuff
Connection comes naturally to Kathie MacDuff. A trained journalist, she has an easy going smile and a friendly laugh. A handful of students arrive early to work on their art, one whispering that MacDuff’s class is her favourite — it’s the one she looks forward to all week. MacDuff flips through her journal, pausing at a page in the middle. Green and yellow paint spill across the paper, mixing over top words in a swirl of colour. “I remembered a friend talking about how she felt she lost her identity ... she was no longer herself, but someone with cancer. The only way I could work at Wellspring was if my courses were not cancer specific. I wanted to provide students with time to lose themselves in their creativity.” At Wellspring, MacDuff is piloting the role of Expressive Arts Team Leader. She teaches watercolour painting, mixed media arts, and creative journaling. MacDuff is a cancer survivor herself, though her own victory was darkened by a tragic car accident that claimed her fiancé’s life. “The car crash overshadowed any apprehension I may have had during treatment. I wish a place like Wellspring had been around then, but to be honest, I’m not sure I would’ve taken advantage of it.” MacDuff closes her journal and sets it on the edge of the table. “Many people – myself included – have a preconceived idea that they’d be hanging out with sick people and that it would be depressing. Of course Wellspring is the complete opposite: it is inspiring, uplifting, encouraging, compassionate and filled with wonderful energy that refreshes and supports healing.” MacDuff circles the class. She stops to appreciate a student’s work, and the two whisper an inside joke. Another smile shared, and another connection made. While art brings everyone together, it’s MacDuff that keeps them there.
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generations By Aaliya Essa
Adapting to a new normal Wellspring Calgary a beacon of support and understanding for people battling cancer
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hen you’re fighting a battle with an opponent as tough as cancer, you need as many people on your side as you can get. For many people, in addition to their family and friends, that support team is Wellspring Calgary, a charitable organization dedicated to providing support for people dealing with cancer in all its many forms. People find the moral, emotional, and physical support they need at Wellspring; whether it’s an outlet to talk about what they are experiencing, participating in workshops and events to help ease the stress they are going through, or even family counseling to help everyone adapt to a ‘new normal’ lifestyle. Heather Dougall is one such cancer survivor. “Almost four years ago to the day, so four summers ago, I had a sore throat. I went to the doctors and he saw something ‘funny’,” she recalls. “I was sent to a specialist the next day, and I opened my mouth, and he said ‘you have cancer’.” In Heather’s case there were no risk factors or warnings. “Four days later, they removed a tumor from my left tonsil, because it was an aggressive cancer. It was the size of a loonie at that point,” she says.
“Wellspring is a very inspirational place. They provided a place for my mom to go and gave her something to do. . .”
Heather Dougall with daughters Nicole (middle) and Kristen.
“The one thing you realize with cancer, once you get through all the medical side, is that’s when the emotional side hits. The sort of ‘what just happened to me’ and ‘why and how do I make this not happen again’,” she says. Wellspring was recommended to Heather by the hospital. “There isn’t a support group for head and neck cancer in Alberta,” she says. “It’s not really a female disease, and with it comes a lot of challenges, like eating, swallowing, with your teeth falling out of your head, breathing issues,” she says. “Fortunately, there are quite a few people at Wellspring that have had similar treatment, so they can give you a lot of not just emotional support but knowledge since they know what helped them.” Heather is now an active member at Wellspring, giving back to the organization that was there for her when she needed them most. “I am participating in this year’s Cancervive ride. I know its important to have a physical goal when your body gives out on you after cancer, and I know the difference that Wellspring makes,” says Heather. “It’s the only place that you can go, one: that doesn’t cost you any money, and two: where people really get it,” she adds.
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Wellspring offers a variety of programs for members to participate in, from yoga to expressive arts, there is even a return to work program, and a money matters program. Providing people with tools to help get through this time, to have steps in place to return to a regular lifestyle, and even learn a few new things while you’re there. Heather’s daughter, Kristen Hall, and her friend Rory Lemke are also both participating in this years Cancervive ride. Cancervive is a non-profit organization that holds bike rides, and raises funds for Wellspring Calgary — they have raised more than $2 million to date. “Wellspring is a very inspirational place,” says Kristen, “they provided a place for my mom to go and gave her something to do. I saw the effects that it (Wellspring) had on my mom, with her working there at the time, and I have even volunteered with them a few times.” “I was really inspired by mom when she did the Cancervive ride a few years ago, and it made me want to do something, so when this opportunity presented itself, I decided that it was something that I wanted to do,” she says. Each rider has a warrior that they are riding in support for, this year Kristen has asked Rory’s mother if
Rory and Kristen.
she would be her warrior. “Rory’s mother had just been diagnosed, and it was something that we were talking about, so I asked her if she would be my warrior for the ride,” says Kristen. “I know what it’s like to have a parent go through this, and I felt like I would be able to give back in that way, and help out somebody that was going through what my mom had gone through.” This year’s event is called Tour du Cancervive, it is taking place right here in Alberta, riders will cycle from Edmonton to Calgary, this event will run from September 10 – 14, and all funds raised will go to Wellspring Calgary to help them continue to provide support and their programs to anyone who needs them.
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Upcoming Events September 10 - Cancervive’s Alberta Ride A four-day bicycle ride leaving from Edmonton on September 11th and travelling through Drayton Valley, Rocky Mountain House, and Cochrane, arriving at Wellspring Calgary’s Carma House location in Calgary on Sunday, September 14th. www.cancervive.ca September 14 - triWELLathon A day of friendly fun, fitness and wellness! Experience a taste of what people living with cancer enjoy through Wellspring Calgary. Check it out and support people living with cancer while enjoying your own taste of wellness. www.triwellathon.com
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March 4, 2015 - Toupee for a Day Provide visible support to those impacted by cancer by sporting a colourful hairpiece (Toupee) on March 4th, 2015. You don’t have to train, attend an event, grow or shave anything. You simply sign up, collect pledges and proudly wear your toupee. Anyone of any age, any ability, in any location, can participate. The different colours of “hair” represent the variety of different coloured cancer ribbons from some of the most common cancers. The colourful toupee also represents the inclusiveness of Wellspring Calgary, which supports ALL people impacted by all types of cancer at any point on their journey. Stand out from the crowd and wear your Toupee on March 4th! www.toupeeforaday.com
April 11, 2015 - Light It Up Calgary Gather your family, friends and co-workers together for the first Light It Up Calgary Family Friendly Fun Run. Saturday, April 11th let your new headlamp light up the 3km walk, 5km walk or run and 10km run as you shine your light for anyone living with cancer and supported through Wellspring Calgary. www.lightitupcalgary.ca May 3, 2015 - Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge Inaugural event celebrating our firefighters from all over Canada will be challenging themselves to run up the 775 vertical feet to the top of the BOW building in downtown Calgary! Join us for a ‘block party’ on 6th Avenue S.W. to watch and celebrate our heroes climb for cancer and families of firefighters! For more information visit www.calgarystairclimb.com
sponsor profile Story and photos by Aaliya Essa
Steve Lilly Advanced Safety Paramedics
“Right now, Advanced Safety Paramedics, does the medical coverage for Cancervive events, so through Cancervive we support Wellspring, through the rides, and help the ride go smoothly medically speaking and safety wise. Our first year with Cancervive and Wellspring was in 2008, we went to Philadelphia that year. At the time I knew Brian, and at the time my wife’s mom was going through cancer, and it kind of fit with what we were doing. We were headed through Alberta, and then down into the states around Ontario where she lived. She lived in Brantford at the time, so we were able to go close by her and I was one of the cyclists as well, so she was my warrior. It was a no brainer and a good fit, though unfortunately she passed away two years later.”
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Murray Danyluk Stepper Custom Homes
“In the past we have made donations, also supported through buying ad space in the magazines, we have done this for the last couple of years. There is a personal connection for me especially; my wife is just on the tail end of breast cancer treatment. She has used Wellspring and utilized their services. Found it very useful as well as for other people in our company that have either had someone close to them, or actual staff have been affected by cancer, and so we’re just giving back to a community organization that helps the people when they need it. For me personally, when my wife was first diagnosed she went to Wellspring quite often, and from the services that were offered for her she found them very useful, and the support is the main thing for a person that doesn’t know what is in store for them. It was a great resource for her and for other Southern Albertans. Anybody who goes through this, it’s life changing, not only for the person dealing with the cancer, but families and children that are also involved.”
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cancervive By Aaliya Essa
Sharing the journey Cancervive cyclists ride together to make a difference
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s the old saying goes: it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. It’s about how you get there. The people you meet and things you see and experience along the way. And that’s what Cancervive, a not-for-profit society that organizes cycling trips in support of Wellspring Calgary, a charity based solely on helping people and families living with cancer, is all about. Cancervive has been going strong since 2005, “when the founder, Brian McGregor, was going through his own cancer journey,” says Peggy PankhurstBrosens, General Manager of Cancervive. “He wanted to do something to help others, so he started organizing bike rides leaving from Calgary going to Austin Texas. They did that for several years, and have been very successful with that ride and supporting Wellspring since the beginning.” They have raised just over $2 million for Wellspring in the last nine years, says Pankhurst-Brosens, “purely in donations coming here to Wellspring.” The way Cancervive raises money is by requiring each rider that participates in a specific ride to raise a certain amount of funds. “When we would do the Peloton rides, we had anywhere between 2535 riders,” she says. “At that time they had to raise $10,000 each, and a lot of them went above and beyond the minimum that was supposed to be raised.”
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As a not-for-profit organization, Cancervive relies heavily on volunteers to help set up the events, raise funds, and really get the message out there. “Whether it’s for our other events, or the bike ride, or help with planning, we appreciate our volunteers and are always appreciative of all the help we can get,” says PankhurstBrosens. Volunteers for Cancervive come from all walks of life, and in all ages. “Carson Rieser is an amazing young man whose dad was one of the riders with Cancervive in one of the earlier rides in 2006,” says PankhurstBrosens. “Carson decided at one point that instead of having a birthday party, with his friends giving him presents, he wanted to do something different, he wanted to do a bike ride just like his dad.” “The family came up with an idea to have a bike ride from here at Wellspring towards the Calgary Zoo (see below),
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on the path along the Bow River. Carson would invite all his friends to come along with him, and help bring in donations and pledges, instead of buying presents,” she says. Carson started his ‘birthday ride’ when he was seven years old, and has been continuing the tradition for the last five years now. “Every year he inspires so many people by doing that,” says Pankhurst-Brosens. “His entire family is an inspiration.” Cancervive’s main event for this year, the Tour du Cancervive, will take place from September 10-14. “This is a four-day bike ride, in our own province, here in Alberta, from Edmonton to Calgary,” she says. “So it’s a little different; it’s a smaller distance, daytime riding only, we are staying local, and the goal is to raise awareness,” she adds. For information on how you can get involved as a rider or a volunteer, or make a pledge visit www.cancervive.ca
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