Cancer patients in the Lloydminster area will have greater access to support as Wellspring Alberta is reaching out in the region.
The outreach manager for the non-profit, Rebecca Perkins visited the Lloydminster Cancer Centre at the hospital to share more information about the support that is available.
One aspect apart from the hundreds of free programs is the connection of a cancer patient with someone who has had a similar ailment.
“We want no one to have to face cancer alone. Our peer support program is telephone-based. We have amazing volunteers who have lived experience of cancer, either as a patient or caregiver. They do not provide any clinical advice, but they are there to be that listening ear to ensure we are reducing that isolation,” says Perkins.
Presently over 20 people from the Lloydminster area are involved in the Wellspring support programs. The support is available in-person, online, and over the phone and includes nutrition, caregiver groups, art, music, meditation, yoga, young adult groups, work and finance, Indigenous sharing circle, among others.
Perkins is on the road visiting the 17 Wellspring service areas across Alberta. The national non-profit offers support to patients, caregivers, and families.
“Our programs focus on the emotional, psycho-social, spiritual, mental wellbeing side of a cancer diagnosis.”
Perkins notes the bi-provincial complexities of Lloydminster adding that it was great to be in the Border City to lend support to staff and patients who utilize the service at the hospital.
“They can lean on us at Wellspring to compliment what the team here are doing.”
Wellspring’s main fundraiser is on June 9 in Calgary and some Lloydminster fire crews will make the trek to Cowtown to do the Firefighters’ Stair Climb. Perkins says the cost of cancer is huge so it’s essential that Wellspring be able to continue to offer its services free of charge.
For those travelling to Edmonton for treatment, they can feel free to use the Wellspring House Centre.
“We have free parking, free tea, coffee, and banana bread. If you’re travelling for treatment and you are looking for a place to relax between appointments,” says Perkins.
The centre is open Monday to Friday located at 11306 – 65 Avenue NW Edmonton. Wellspring has locations in Calgary, Lethbridge, and Red Deer. More information is available online or by calling 1-866-682-3135 (Toll-free).