Rob's Story:

I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1995 at the age of 28. While I was undergoing treatment my kids (who were 6 & 4 years old at the time) benefited greatly from the art threapy program offered by the London Region Cancer Centre (LRCC), as well councelling was made available for my wife and I. Sadly, due to government cutbacks those types of services are no longer readily available to patients at the LRCC.

The London and Region Wellspring Cancer Support Centre offers all types of programs and support for cancer patients and their families at no cost. Wellspring relies a lot on donations from the public rasied from events such as A Round for a Cure. Shelley and her team do an excellent job in helping cancer patients and their families deal with their struggle.

I am honoured to have my family as well as some of my closest friends join me in hosting this event. It makes the cause much more special knowing those who supported me in my battle are there to help others in theirs.

- Rob Matic, Director, A Round For A Cure

Wellspring:

Wellspring is consistently described by individuals and families facing cancer as a haven - "a safe place that gives of its heart and spirit", a "sanctuary and a place to heal". Wellspring is "the difference between the darkness and the light" that "feels like a big hug".

Words as powerful as these speak to the need for a place where any of us can turn when cancer strikes. Wellspring opened a little over seven years ago in an old house in central London. Over 1,240 individuals have registered in Wellspring programs as members at no cost, and many remain active for months or years.  These programs help cancer patients and family members find renewed strength and new skills to cope with diagnosis and treatment, become better informed and less anxious, and communicate more effectively. Whether it is yoga, meditation, a support group, art therapy, peer support with a trained volunteer or any one of the other 15 regular programs, each is designed to ease  the burden of cancer. A good number of the more than 80 volunteers who run Wellspring daily have had cancer, or have cared for someone who has cancer. It is the volunteers, assisted by a staff of five, who make Wellspring the warm, safe and welcoming refuge it is.

Funding for Wellspring comes from events planned and run by outside teams such as Rob's or our own volunteers, grants from foundations,  general donations, and our Board, the Women's Christian Association. Wellspring receives no government funding.

Cancer affects each of us. We all know someone, perhaps it is ourselves, who has received the dreaded news, "You have cancer".  At Wellspring, these words soon lose their power to seek out and destroy. Healing becomes the focus, whether of spirit or body. The Round for a Cure, with its compassionate, caring organizers and participants, is a vital and growing support to Wellspring, and we couldn't be more grateful. 

- Shelley Markland, Wellspring London