Resources

Resources

We know what it’s like to hear the words ‘you have cancer’. We’ve been there too. That’s why we developed our Support Packages (Haven’t received one? Email us.) and created this list of support services offered to young adults facing cancer across Canada. Connect with the organizations and experts that resonate with you. We are all in this together.

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Over 40? Here’s a list of Resources in Ontario

Pink Pearl Canada
  Pink Pearl Canada is a community-oriented charitable organization that provides support, facilitates connections and empowers young women who are courageously overcoming the social and emotional challenges of being diagnosed with cancer.
Adolescent and Young Adult Program at PMH
The AYA Program provides personalized, supportive, care beyond the medical needs of young adult patients ages 39 and under. It has been created to ensure that your concerns related to cancer and regular life are addressed during and after your cancer journey. You will meet with a Clinical Nurse Specialist, who can connect you to services and resources, as well as provide support around unique needs. The program also provides monthly newsletters including information on upcoming AYA events at the hospital and in the community.
Callanish
Callanish creates a healing space for people who have been irrevocably changed by cancer.  At the heart of Callanish is a weeklong retreat that provides a gentle catalyst for revitalizing the spirit. The Younger Adult Program provides support tailored to the unique needs of those experiencing a cancer diagnosis as a younger adult (ages 19-40s). Our programs strive to help younger adults and their families explore the impact cancer has had on their lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and to help break the social isolation that is so commonly experienced.
The Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is committed to improving and saving lives. That’s why CCS is always looking for new ways to prevent cancer, find it early and treat it more successfully. It’s why CCS is always ready to give people with cancer the help and support they need to lead more fulfilling lives. CCS’ vision is a world where no Canadian fears cancer.
CancerConnection.ca

 

 

 

 

CancerConnection.ca is a safe and welcoming place for discussion, support and the exchange of information about managing cancer in your life. It allows people to share their experiences and build supportive relationships. They have very active breast cancer forums and our forums are professionally moderated.

 

Carley's Angels

Carley’s Angels is working to unite traditional and holistic cancer care in hospitals, while spreading Carley’s message of Always Smile. At Carley’s Angels, it’s always been about access. Access to the integrative cancer treatments that patients need, when they need them and where they need them. Every patient’s journey is unique and so every patient’s access to treatment is different. We are determined to ensure that all cancer patients have access to the integrative cancer care they need.

Chasing Rainbows
Chasing Rainbows Young Adult Cancer Advocacy is an initiative developed by Pat Taylor with the mission of discovering and distributing multi-media support resources for young adults living with cancer, as well as for caregivers, family, friends, and medical professionals.
Cottage Dreams
Cottage Dreams helps families touched by cancer to reconnect and rejuvenate at a private, donated cottage.
ELLICSR
ELLICSR is designed as a collaborative space for research into health, wellness and cancer survivorship. Here, we strive to better understand the cancer and survivorship experience in order to improve it. We look for fresh new ideas and approaches to improve health and wellness during and after cancer treatment.  We endeavour to close the gap between what we already know works and what survivors do day to day to improve their own health and wellness.
Gilda's Club Greater Toronto
Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto (GCGT), a registered charity that is making an important difference for cancer patients, their family and friends in the Greater Toronto Area. Our Mission is to ensure people living with cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. Our inclusive program of support, education and social interaction for the “whole family”- adults, children and teens as well as their family and friends is offered in a home-like setting and provided FREE of charge to members.
Gilda's Club Simcoe Muskoka
Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka provides support groups, movement classes, social activities and more for anyone living with a cancer diagnosis, their caregivers, and children impacted by cancer living in the Simcoe Muskoka regions and beyond. All services are offered FREE of charge.
InspireHealth
InspireHealth is a non-for-profit supportive cancer care organization approved by the BC Ministry of Health. Our goal is to provide the best care possible for people living with a diagnosis of cancer. Our Clinical Services are provided by a team of physicians, nutritionists, clinical counsellors and exercise therapists. All our services, programs and classes are free of charge at our centers in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna.
Knight's Cabin

 

 

 

Knight’s Cabin Cancer Retreats was created to be a catalyst for positive health behavior change. We host weekend retreats where we teach patients the research-based information about health behaviours they can control—nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management. We integrate behavioral change research to improve their chance of success. This is done in a supportive community of other people with cancer.

The Olive Branch of Hope

The Olive Branch of Hope is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 2001 by breast cancer survivors to provide support and promote awareness of breast cancer in women with a particular focus on “Women of African Ancestry”  Our services are designed to meet the needs of women diagnosed with breast cancer to help them cope with the many emotional, social, physical, and spiritual effects of the disease.  We provide an open opportunity to discuss and share experiences in a comfortable setting where “Sharing and caring is our theme.”  No woman should feel alone during this time of crisis.​

Rethink Breast Cancer
  Rethink Breast Cancer‘s mission is to empower young people worldwide who are concerned about and affected by breast cancer.  Rethink brings bold, relevant awareness to foster a new generation of young and influential breast cancer supporters and, most importantly, respond to the unique needs of young women living with breast cancer.
Team Shan
Team Shan Breast Breast Cancer Awareness for Young Women (Team Shan) is dedicated to reaching young women with their breast cancer risk and breast health information. Our mission is to educate the public, health care professionals and young women about early detection, risk reduction and prevention of breast cancer.
VOBOC

VOBOC is a Montréal-based non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to equip, engage and empower Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer to improve their experiences and health outcomes.

Wellspring

 

Wellspring is a network of community-based support centres offering programs and services that meet the emotional, social, practical, informational and physical/functional needs of people living with cancer and those who care for them. Wellspring programs are offered free of charge.

Local Chapters:
Wellspring Downtown Toronto | 4 Charles Street East, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 1T1
Wellspring Westerkirk House | 105 Wellness Way, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 0B1
Wellspring Chinguacousy | 5 Inspiration Way, Brampton, Ontario, L6R 0L7
Wellspring Birmingham Gilgan House | 2545 Sixth Line, Oakville, Ontario, L6H 7V9
Wellspring London and Region | 382 Waterloo Street, London, Ontario, N6B 2N8
Wellspring Stratford | 48 Well Street, Stratford, Ontario, N5A 4L7
Wellspring Niagara | 50 Wellspring Way, Fonthill, Ontario, L0S 1E6
Wellspring Calgary | 1404 Home Road NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 1G7
Wellspring Calgary – Randy O’Dell House | 3910 Seton Drive SE, Calgary, Alberta, T3M 2N9
Wellspring Edmonton | 11306 65 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 2Z8

Wellwood
Wellwood is an inclusive, community-based organization that offers supportive care programs and services at no cost to those living with cancer or caring for someone with cancer.
Wildfire Magazine

WILDFIRE is a magazine specifically designed with young breast cancer survivors and fighters, in mind. Their contributors are all diagnosed under the age of 45 – a growing population decades younger than average breast cancer fighter with few age-appropriate resources available. Their belief is that reading the stories of others diagnosed young provides a much needed community and support network for today’s young breast cancer survivor. They go further than that, though, and help you learn to tell your own story to the survivors coming up behind you. This has the dramatic effect of turning a traumatic cancer experience into an empowering one!

Young Adult Cancer Canada
Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) helps young adults dealing with cancer in their late teens, 20s, and 30s live with, through, and beyond cancer through its unique and life-changing local, national, and digital programs. Every cancer, Every stage, YACC’s got their backs.

Experts

If you’ve resonated with a speaker from our retreats, learning series, or through shared connections, here is where you may learn more about how they are here to support you.

Beginnings Family Services
    Hamilton, Ontario Providing private infant adoption services within Ontario and Embryo Donation/Adoption services across Canada. Book a Session
Rebecca Barrett, MSW, RSW
Toronto, Ontario
Rebecca specializes in working with individuals with chronic health issues, with a specific focus in cancer; grief and bereavement (including end of life) and caregiver support. She also have experience with attachment trauma such as abandonment; sexual assault; and mood disorders/challenges such as anxiety and depression. Rebecca works with adults 18+ years.
Her practice is rooted in mindfulness, focusing on the mind-body connection through the use of imagery, relaxation, and breath work, in addition to talk therapy.
Dr. Lori Bouchard, BHSc, ND
Oakville, Ontario Lori Bouchard is a cancer focused Naturopathic Doctor and owner of Oakville’s most innovative naturopathic healing centre that has been helping men and women reverse complicated diseases for over a decade. Book a session
Melaina Gasbarrino, Reiki Practitioner and Yoga Teacher
        Niagara, Ontario Through reiki (energy healing), and sound baths with yoga, feel a sense of lightness wash over you. Book a session with Melaina
Dr. Karen Glass MD, FRCS(C), Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Director of Fertility Preservation, CReATe Fertility Centre Assistant Professor, University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario Dr. Glass has spoken all over Canada on Oncofertility.  She sees young cancer patients from all over Ontario who require consultation and help with regard to fertility preservation. Her research also is about improving the fertility of young women and men who have or are at risk of cancer. Learn More
Heather McKean, Certified Child Life Specialist
  Hamilton, Ontario (Juravinski Cancer Centre) Heather helps support children and adolescents with the cancer diagnosis of their parent or caregiver. Please note, you must be a patient of Juravinski Cancer Centre in order to access the service. Book a session: 902-521-2100 x 73810
Ashley Mikitzel, Registered Social Worker & Psychosocial Support
Hamilton, Ontario “It is an incredible privilege to be able to hold space for others during times of difficulty and challenge.” Book a session with Ashley at Everwell    
Dr. Jillian Murphy, ND
Kingston, Ontario I help adults and children make peace with food and their bodies so they can live their healthiest, most radiant, pleasurable lives! Book a Session
Andrea Pritchard, Yoga, Meditation, Energy Therapist & Mindful Strengthen Trainer
  Kingston, Ontario Andrea meets you where you are in body, mind and soul.  Using various modalities, she focuses on whole being wellness, supporting you in feeling empowered in your healing. Book a session with Andrea
Mona Warner, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic-Yoga Therapist, Yoga Teacher Trainer, Author
Kingston, Ontario
Mona supports people to find greater health and well-being using the tools of Ayurveda (diet, lifestyle, nature and natural rhythms) and Yoga (movement, stillness, breath, and meditation).

 

Natalie Wilson, High Heal Diaries Founder + Speaker

Natalie Wilson, creator of High Heal Diaries, mother of three, wife, businesswoman, and a three-time breast cancer survivor is sure to captivate any audience.

After her breast cancer returned twice in 2016, she realized that her pain and struggle must not have been in vain.
Natalie instinctively knew she must be a voice for women fighting this horrible disease, as well as those dealing with other emotional struggles and on a journey through the stages of emotional healing.

She created High Heal Diaries as a forum to support women on their journey. Natalie now does motivational speaking for small or large events, personal coaching, event hosting, online video talk shows, blogs and more.

 

Personal Perspectives

Sharing your story is the best way to be heard. These blogs and peer-support led intiatives, were created by participants and their families to share their personal perspectives on their journey facing cancer and to support you along the way.

The Bloom Club

The Bloom Club is a space for young women to discuss the challenges of a cancer diagnosis while also enjoying adventures and experiences with other young women who understand. The creators, Sara and Shanna, have been through trauma, and know we could all use adventures that bring joy to our lives.

Cancer Sisters of Canada
Cancer Sisters of Canada is a closed Facebook group created by Maja, Sarah, and Tara for women who have been diagnosed with cancer between the age of 35+ and are from Canada. The group is intended to support one another while going through your own cancer journey.
Dear Cancer, Love Vanessa
Vanessa created her ‘Dear Cancer, love Vanessa’ blog to share her cancer experiences and everything she’s learned in hopes of making your journey a little easier!
My Spouse Has Cancer
Andy Bayer did his best to support his late wife, Julia when she had cancer, but there are things he wish he knew during that time. In My Spouse Has Cancer he shares information and resources that can help spouses, partners, or caregivers of people with cancer be the best support they can possibly be.
Ontario Breast Cancer Facebook Group
The Ontario Breast Cancer Facebook Support Group was created for women who have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer who live in Ontario. This is for newly diagnosed and for those who were diagnosed no matter how long ago.
Solis Cancer Community

 

The Solis Cancer Community is a blog and online community that physically, mentally, and emotionally supports cancer patients past and present, caregivers, and those serious about prevention. It is for those wishing to learn more about the integrative cancer treatment options out there and how to overhaul their lifestyle to heal and prevent cancer. Their mission is to raise awareness about integrative treatment routes, provide reliable and helpful information and education to those seeking a holistic and whole-person approach to their cancer treatment and risk reduction, and to welcome all healing paths (conventional, alternative, or both) with no judgements or biases. They are on a search for truth, meaning, support, healing, and personal growth so that we may all thrive through cancer and beyond. Cancer is a team sport; welcome to your team!

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Sisters of Canada
Triple Negative Breast Cancer Sisters of Canada is  a closed Facebook group created by Maja and Stephanie who wanted to create a space for young women facing cancer to share their experiences and support each other.
The Wonky Arm Blog
“Everybody has a story, just be the best character you can be” – Emily Lane Emily shares her story, provides tips and tricks for those recently diagnosed with cancer or living with a ‘dis’ability and brings hope to anyone who reads her blog, it’s lighthearted, talks about all the things you need to know and brings light to being the best version of you.