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HB NEWS WEBINARS AMONG SUPPORTS HELPING CANCER PATIENTS Continued from page 1 ming possible for people well beyond Halton's bor- ders, across the country, in fact, those in communities and provinces without a Wellspring. The result was a wealth of new types of members. “Caregivers have been able to participate more in ever before because they're able to participate from the comfort of their homes, and they don't have to leave their loved one," said Susy Borges Santos, Wellspring’s associate di- rector of program delivery. “We've also found we've been able to support people later in their disease, those who pre-pandemic have been too ill or too tired to travel to Wellspring, said Borges Santos. “Now, with the virtual platform, people can par- ticipate in the comfort of their beds and reduce the fe mmmuting to centre. They’ 're able to par. ticipate in a really safe and comfortable manner now. It's wonderful to be able to support people with later stage advanced palliative "We've been able to ex- pand our capacity tremen- dously with o1 pro- gramming," said Borges Santos, adding that many of Wellspring's educational webinars are recorded so they can be viewed at any time o! "I think we were quite taken aback ourselves of or metastatic cancers." ihe popularity and just The virtual setting pro- ww willing people were vided an open forum for able to shift and really icati help re- duce t the sense 0 of isolation muni A place where people Paete may miss con- aie ‘they could connect gregatingin the kitchen for with other patients going through the same thing, creating a sense of commu- nity, said Borges Santos. She said there had been more than 50,000 visits to Wellspring's programs na- tionally since the switch to vir a cup of tea, but "on the flip side, we've been pleasantly surprised to hear all the feedback about hi the virtual support really does feel as good as that in-per- son support," said Shiller. Virtual support comes in the form of emojis or “People have used the expression that they feel like they're receiving a virtual hug.” Shiller, Wellspring social worker through the chat function, said Shiller. “People have used the expression that they feel like they're receiving a vir- tual hug,” she added. "I think we're going to keep the hybrid model because of the success and accessi- bility ofa virtual platform.” 's been amazing to see how comfortable people are to share very intimate things about their diagno- sis onscreen in the comfort of their home, added Bor- ges Santo: “Now st have the best of both worlds, people that ever were able to partici- pate, can; people that were just too sick to come de- Spite being very close to the ire, can." Wellspring offers more than 40 unique programs c- , Dl tal and physical function Sone of the more popu- lar programs over the past two years have been the support groups and the Healing Journey, which helps people deal with can- cer-related stress, provid- ing psychological and spiri- tual tools to promote inner harmony, peace and heal- ~ a Fy 3 a v i Zz ing, said Shiller. Relaxation and Visual- > ization allows clients toz learn to quiet the mind, she 4 added. There has also "incredible demand" Money Matters. Wellspring is hoping tos $e open its doors again some- 8 time this spring. bd een 2 “for Hl STORY BEHIND THE STORY; With the pandemic continuing to muake things even more difficult for those living with can- cer, we wanted to explore how Halton's Wellspring upted to keep of- fering an emotional life- [EH] SCAN Tus cone for more local news, BB WHAT'S ON ONE BOOK, ONE HALTON NON-FICTION BOOK CHOSEN FOR THE FIRST TIME MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@ metroland.com The Halton Hills Public Library has revealed this year's title and author se- lection for its One Book, One Halton Hills initia- tye r the first time, a non n fiction book has been chosen for the communi- ty-wide read — "The Day the World Stops Shop- ping" by J.B. MacKinnon. The library invites res- idents to borrow a print copy of the book or down- load a digital version. HILLS PROGRAM GETTING mn May 10 at 7:30 p.m., inet library will then host a rirtual celebration night “The Day the World Stops Shopping’ is a time- and thought-provoking with J.B. discuss the book, his other writings and more. "We are delighted and honoured to MacKinnon for our 12th annual One Book, One Halton Hills author," said adult services librarian Danielle Dawe read, ow lower consumption would UNDERWAY impact society. We can't stop shopping, and yet we must — that conflict is at the heart of J. BA MacKin- inspiri non's new work." For further details on the One Book, One Halton ills program, visit https:/, A bit.ly/3rWkKwP. y of the book can Pe reserved eirough the li- i catalogue at https://bit.. y/s 8JrgR98. SUBMIT YOUR LETTER TO THE EDITOR TODAY! DOWNTOWN GEORGETOWN 83 Mill St | 905 873 1867 ‘We are open but due to the current ii situation we are seein ts by appointment only. If you! are aan a visit (for routine eye examinations, eyewear purchase and repair, contact lens pick up etc), vance and we will arrange an appointment time for you. This will help to ensure we keep ryone safe! GIDDENS OPTOMETRY 4 TOPTOMETRY) & su =e METRO PLAZA 371 Mountainview Rd S | 905 873 1861 Please phor Dr. Ben 2g Giddens Dr. Andrea Kozma Dr. Stephanie ‘priton EM eordyouy