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
Adolescent and Young Adult Program at PMH
Callanish
The Canadian Cancer Society
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
Cottage Dreams
ELLICSR
Gilda's Club Greater Toronto
Gilda's Club Simcoe Muskoka
InspireHealth
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
Team Shan
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
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
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
Rebecca Barrett, MSW, RSW
Dr. Lori Bouchard, BHSc, ND
Melaina Gasbarrino, Reiki Practitioner and Yoga Teacher
Dr. Karen Glass MD, FRCS(C), Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Director of Fertility Preservation, CReATe Fertility Centre Assistant Professor, University of Toronto
Heather McKean, Certified Child Life Specialist
Ashley Mikitzel, Registered Social Worker & Psychosocial Support
Dr. Jillian Murphy, ND
Andrea Pritchard, Yoga, Meditation, Energy Therapist & Mindful Strengthen Trainer
Mona Warner, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic-Yoga Therapist, Yoga Teacher Trainer, Author
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
Dear Cancer, Love Vanessa
My Spouse Has Cancer
Ontario Breast Cancer Facebook Group
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!