Leader turns Member By: Lisa Shamai I have thoroughly enjoyed my years of leading healthy cooking sessions for people with cancer at the Sunnybrook, Brampton and Oakville Wellspring locations. But when I received a diagnosis of AML Leukemia in March this year, my oncologist jokingly said “there goes your… [Read More]
Posts from ‘Families & Caregiver’
Wellspring ‘Money Matters’ Financial Advice Clinic Assists Members
Posted on February 10th, 2014 | 3 Comments
“I’m on Long Term Disability and my income is only 65% of when I was working. My expenses are way beyond my monthly income. I’m having trouble meeting my mortgage payments. Should I use my RRSPs to try and get by financially? Is this a good option?What other options should I consider?” Many people with… [Read More]
(Re)treating yourself
Posted on June 10th, 2013 | 1 Comment
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment or providing care for someone with cancer can require that you re-fill yourself with energy as you need to along this journey. Periodically, as a caregiver, I need to get away on my own; to walk in nature, write, read, and quietly introspect. I am aware, however, that… [Read More]
Mindful Walking – Part #2
Posted on May 29th, 2013 | 0 Comments
A more formal approach to mindful walking entails deep focus and very slow movement of the feet in coordination with the breath and within a small area of space (see Mindful Walking Part #1). An informal approach can occur as part of your daily walk and at a normal pace. To begin say with… [Read More]

Sorrow and Delight: the Healing HeArt Children’s Art Therapy Program
Posted on September 12th, 2011 | 1 Comment
The power of imagery to promote healing has been well documented by anthropology, visual arts, psychology and science. However, children appear to have no need of documentation to appreciate the benefits of working with images when they come to Wellspring’s Healing HeArt Art Therapy Program. Rather, their instincts tell them that personal art work is… [Read More]
Managing Anxiety
Posted on September 7th, 2011 | 0 Comments
Finding a trusted confidante may be the best place to start. For those in the supportive or care giving role, bearing witness to, validating and normalizing distress can be very powerful and help to relieve anxiety and the related feelings of isolation. This may also occur more formally through organized support groups. When asked about… [Read More]