WELLINGTON COUNTY – Whether newly diagnosed with breast cancer, in the middle of the journey or in remission, you may find relief at the Guelph Wellington Breast Cancer Support Group, a place with zero judgement and heaps of knowledge.
The support group, which began in 1992 with 20 women, resides at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Guelph.
A few months after it began, it became a registered charitable organization.
“The Guelph Wellington support group offers emotional and social connections in a caring, compassionate and confidential environment,” group president Judy Lalonde told the Advertiser.
“We don’t offer medical advice, however … we try to provide a communal bond of safety and sharing.”
Members of the group are in various stages of their breast cancer journey; some newly diagnosed, some just starting treatment and others who have completed their medical procedures.
Lalonde joined the group in 2017 and is a 10-year survivor of breast cancer.
“We laugh, we cry but certainly we provide that safe and caring foundation,” Lalonde explained.
“There’s absolutely no judgement but there will be a lot of compassionate listening.”
The group holds two meetings per month: on the second Monday of each month from 7:30 to 9pm at the church, and on the fourth Monday of each month from 10:30am to 12pm.
The second meeting is held at the McDonald’s restaurant at 372 Stone Road in Guelph.
Between December and March, online Zoom meetings will occur for those wanting to stay home.
“The most important thing we offer is hope,” said Lalonde.
“[Members] see women who have similar diagnoses that are thriving and that really boosts their morale and hope.”
“I see this as a circle of empowerment,” Lalonde stated.
Members experience a variety of activities, including:
- guest speakers;
- access to related books and articles;
- contacts for additional support;
- continued liaison with other service providers who help with education and treatment plans; and
- exposure to the arts, dancing, diets and more.
Group vice president Loriann McAlpine noted all guest speakers are professionals and speak on topics related to breast cancer care and recovery.
McAlpine joined in 2020 and is a five-year survivor of breast cancer.
“The information (from speakers) is all evidence-based, it’s all current,” McAlpine said.
Speakers range from pharmacists and nutritionists to social workers, physiotherapists and occupational and art therapists.
“We are often notified when there’s research projects happening in the community … for some women that is very empowering,” she said.
“It’s giving back or helping the future women who potentially could get diagnosed.”
The organization relies on charitable donations to support the program, notably to help pay for some guest speakers.
McAlpine explained the majority of the meetings consist of members sharing their experiences and how they are feeling as a way to learn from each other.
“There’s not a lot of our groups around … we are very fortunate to have this in our area,” she said.
Asked what this group has meant to her, McAlpine replied, “When I found out I had breast cancer it was very scary and I felt alone and confused and I needed more information.”
“Joining this group was a way for me to listen to other members and get that reassurance that I was actually looking for … the group just became special,” she added.
“There’s a time where you say ‘I need help.’”
Organization treasurer Karen Richardson joined when she was diagnosed in 1994; today she is a 30-year survivor.
Although Richardson is no longer diagnosed with breast cancer, she remains active in the group, seeing her involvement as a way of giving back the support she received.
She shared gratitude for meeting the many women who have come and gone through the program.
“Do I wish I had met them a different way? Unfortunately, that’s the hand we’ve been dealt and [now] we can be there for each other,” Richardson said.
Lalonde had a similar outlook, stating, “It gives me purpose, one of those life purposes.”
For more information or to join email guelphwellingtonbcsg@gmail.com or call 519-994-5860.
The group also has a Facebook page titled Guelph and Wellington Area Breast Cancer Support Group.
