Its heartwarming, she said. They give so much to the community. I wouldnt have been able to do this without Wellspring.

Walk participants braved a howling wind chill to trek three kilometres, carrying Wellspring signs.

Ann Mantini-Celima, executive director of Wellspring, told the walkers theyre acting as ambassadors for the agency, which has seen the number of people turning to its supports and services double since the new centre was opened adjacent to Highway 20. There are still misconceptions out there about what Wellspring is about, she said.

Its because of you that people are hearing about Wellspring, Mantini-Celima said.

The new centre opened last fall after a successful $5-million capital campaign. This is truly the house, the home, that Niagara built, and we are continuing to build hope for people who are impacted by cancer, she said.

That includes Lisa Bouchard of Welland, taking part in the walk to give back to the agency that helped her so much after her breast cancer diagnosis five years ago. Bouchard said she took part in numerous Wellspring programs, from art therapy and yoga to pottery, sailing, cancer rehab and the Healing Journey program.

To sit in a room full of people who get it, it makes a huge difference, she said. Its a safe environment. Wellspring is the rainbow of the storm of cancer.

Bouchard said its crucial that the programs are all free, because people impacted by cancer can quickly find themselves in a deep financial bind because of lost wages and big costs, such as travel, medication and parking at hospitals. One blood-thinner drug alone she was on cost $1,000 a month.

Campbell, who also took part in programs and classes such as art therapy, meditation and yoga to cope with stress and anxiety, said doctors told her she could probably buy herself five years of remission with the treatments before shed need another stem cell transplant or other treatments.

Its almost six years, and Im still living my life every day, she said. Im still kicking ass.

Im so happy to be able to give back to Wellspring.

Originally posted here:
Niagara walkers support 'Rainbow in the storm of cancer' - Niagarathisweek.com