Draft:Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:48, 22 July 2025

Revision as of 21:21, 22 July 2025

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'''Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation''' (Wellspring) is a Canadian charity<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=WELLSPRING CANCER SUPPORT FOUNDATION/FONDATION WELLSPRING POUR LES PERSONNES ATTEINTES DE CANCER — Quick View {{!}} Charity's detail page |url=https://apps.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/hacc/srch/pub/dsplyRprtngPrd?q.srchNmFltr=wellspring+cancer+support+Foundation&q.stts=0007&selectedCharityBn=892728940RR0001&dsrdPg=1 |website=Government of Canada}}</ref> that provides non-medical supportive care services for individuals living with cancer, as well as their caregivers and families. Its services include peer support, counselling, support groups, physical activity programs, educational workshops, and financial navigation. Programs are provided free of charge and do not require a medical referral. <ref>{{Cite news |last=Teotonio |first=I |date=16/02/2018 |title=Cancer patients still suffer after treatment. |archive-url=https://www.thestar.com/life/health-wellness/cancer-patients-still-suffer-after-treatment/article_2426cec1-c7ef-508f-a345-46adabd52947.html |work=Toronto Star}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=09/05/2025 |title=Cancer care enhances patient and caregiver well-being. |url=https://hospitalnews.com/cancer-care-enhances-patient-and-caregiver-well-being/ |website=Hospital News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bottaro |first=Angelica |date=26/06/2025 |title=Harnessing the power of cancer support programs to cope with the emotional scars. |url=https://www.healthing.ca/cancer/harnessing-the-power-of-cancer-support-groups-to-cope-with-the-emotional-scars |website=Healthing}}</ref>

=== History ===

Wellspring was founded in 1992 in Toronto, Ontario, by Anne Armstrong Gibson, a cancer patient who sought to address the emotional and practical needs of individuals facing cancer.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wysong |first=Pippa |date=12/05/1992 |title=New cancer centre will offer patients support services |work=The Medical Post}}</ref> With support from Dr. Simon Sutcliffe, then CEO of Princess Margaret Hospital, the first Wellspring centre was opened in a coach house on Wellesley Street East. Although Gibson died in 1995, as per her wishes, the foundation continued to expand across Canada. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Picard |first=A |date=01/01/2000 |title=Cancer centre gives patients help, hope |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/cancer-centre-gives-patients-help-hope/article22402088/ |url-status=live |website=Globe and Mail}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Alan |date=03/02/1995 |title=Lawyer Anne Gibson, advocate ‘for the patient with cancer’ |url=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/102912294/anne-armstrong-gibson |url-status=live |work=The Toronto Star}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Green |first=Lisa |date=2009 |title=). Including Spirituality: A Means to Cope with Cancer and Recommendations for Health Care Professionals |url=https://scholars.wlu.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1909&context=etd |journal=Wilfrid Laurier University

Scholars Commons @ Laurier |pages=7-8, 32-33,47,60,62-63,70,72,89,91,96,109-110,121}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Markland |first=Shelley |date=05/2001 |title=Wellspring - an oasis to people living with cancer |work=Hospital News}}</ref>

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=== Programs and Services ===

Wellspring delivers non-clinical supportive care for cancer patients and caregivers. Its evidence-based programsPrograms are delivered by qualified professionals such as social workers, psychotherapists, physiotherapists, art therapists, and dietitians. Services include peer support, support groups, counselling, educational workshops, cancer-specific exercise classes, financial navigation, return-to-work support, and symptom management support.<ref name=":1" />

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wellspring expanded its virtual programming through the launch of a dedicated Virtual Centre, enabling access across Canada, including remote and underserved regions. <ref name=":3" />

=== Organizational Structure ===

Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation operates centres in the Greater Toronto Area, and overseeingoversees Wellspring's intellectual property and program standards for affiliate organizations. Affiliate organizations—each a separate legally incorporated charity—operate in other regions while adhering to shared quality, branding, and program standards. <ref name=":1" />

=== Locations ===