All You Need is Love

It is estimated that in 2013:

• 96,200 Canadian men will be diagnosed with cancer and 39,400 men will die from cancer.
• 91,400 Canadian women will be diagnosed with cancer and 36,100 women will die from cancer.
• On average, over 500 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer every day.
• On average, over 200 Canadians will die from cancer every day.

*Learn more at the Canadian Cancer Society: https://ow.ly/toCwv

Those are some pretty sobering facts. Chances are you know at least one person who has been touched by cancer. It might be a friend, co-worker, family member, or even yourself. And a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada. When you or someone you care about is told they have cancer it can be devastating. Life goes from your familiar rhythm, to a swirl of activity dictated by doctors and the medical machine aimed at curing the illness. There is far more to a cancer diagnosis than the physical aspects of it though.

Wellspring London is all too familiar with what cancer can do to a soul.

Until you have a need to walk through the doors at Wellspring London, you might never be able to fully understand what they offer. Often the first thing that is offered is peer support for the confused people who don’t know where else to turn. Peer support comes in the form of volunteers who have been in your shoes before. They are people who have beaten cancer diagnoses, health care professionals that want to give back, and family members that have lost loved ones to this awful disease. They know how over-whelming cancer and everything it encompasses can be. They understand how much support is needed during this critical time.

Wellspring London offers so much more than peer support though. Located within the Centre Branch YMCA at 382 Waterloo St, in London, Ontario, Wellspring is a beacon of hope to the approximately 1500 people who walk through their doors every year. Offering over 20 programs, free of charge to members, this support centre aims to let people know they are not alone. In fact, with the help from recent generous support, Wellspring London has been able to add a Cancer Exercise Program and a Return to Work program, as well as fund their always popular Art Therapy and children’s Healing HeART Therapy.

There is so much more that Wellspring London offers though. And that is where we need your help today. CLC Tree Service’s Office Manager, Christine Siemens is a member of the local Breakfast Meeting for Women group. They are a networking organization for women and they are hosting the 2014 Celebrate Giving Fundraiser. And this year’s event benefits Wellspring London.

The money will fund Wellspring’s Physical Movement Program Series – including:

• Yoga – 4 classes (8 week sessions) running continuously throughout the year 192 hours total
• Tai Chi – 1 class (4 week sessions) 2 x per year 30 hours total
• Qi Gong – 1 class (8 week sessions) running year throughout the year 48 hours total
• Aquafit – 1 class (8 week sessions) running continuously throughout the year 18 hours total
• 288 hours of active programming benefiting approximately 1,074 members

CLC Tree Services knows how worthy a cause Wellspring London is. That is why we are asking for a little support from our loyal readers, followers, clients, and interested persons. The Fundraiser will be held Thursday, March 27th, 2014. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased by contacting Christine at (519)685-0257. The evening includes a plated dinner, silent auction, comedian, and live band at the London Convention Centre. She will gladly give you more details about this worthy affair. For those unable to attend, there is still something that you can do to help. Christine is also in need of silent auction items to help raise funds. Anything is welcome and greatly appreciated.

Wellspring means so much to the many people who use their services every year. If you have been there, you know. If you are lucky enough to never have needed their services, know that the help and support that is offered is sometimes the lifeline that keeps people going during incredibly difficult times.

Please help us help them today.