Wellwood
501 Sanatorium Road L9C 0C3 Hamilton, ON, Canada

INFO FOR WINTER 2021 VIRTUAL PROGRAMS Well folks, it’s almost winter. As we plan for the new year, we know that this extreme isolation is challenging (even more so than it was 8 months ago). At Wellwood, we are here for you. Our virtual supportive programs are here for you. Our community is here for you. Our Zoom programs offer a supportive, welcoming and safe space to connect, share and learn together. To register, please give us a call, email us or apply online. ... 905-667-8870 [email protected] apply online: https://forms.gle/zZkas3ApWeayjY9y8 #wellwood #sendingvirtualhugs 905-667-8870 [email protected]

"We are focusing on the job of living." Here's a snippet from the most recent episode of the #CancerAssistShow, featuring Dr. Bill Evans in conversation with occupational therapist Sarah Shallwani. To listen to the complete episode, visit https://cancerassist.ca/cancer-assist-show/

On rest and relaxation: Caring for yourself may not come easy for those who have experienced or are experiencing illness, trauma, anxiety and depression. Self-care looks different for every(body). That meditation and chapter of your favourite book, or the shower after a morning walk might not be what gives you the reset you’re looking for. That is okay. Empathize with your body. Be aware of your vulnerability. Look at yourself with compassion. Love and respect your body. Respect your own boundaries. Reclaim your space. Find space for your thoughts. Be aware of your pain. Re-set. Dream. Forgive. Love. Rest. Relax. Breathe. Just be.

Ways to help manage zoom fatigue:

Learn to manage the appearance-related impact of cancer treatment with Look Good Feel Better. Join a supportive community in a small-group format to learn and share. Led by expert volunteers via an easy-to-use video conference platform. December workshop dates & times for Skincare & Cosmetics, Wigs & Hair Alternatives & *NEW* Breast Care sessions are posted! To register, visit lgfb.ca/en/workshop/

A wintry escape Close your eyes & listen #minivisualization

CALLING ALL SUPERHEROES Team up with Wellwood for our first VIRTUAL event, KICKING CANCER’s BUTT from October 18 to 24. Walk, run, wheel, cycle, swim, skip, dance even hula ALL WEEK LONG for Wellwood. ... Set your personal, team, or family goal and invite friends to sponsor you as you track your own successes each day. Together, we can also raise awareness for colorectal and those other cancers that not enough people will talk about. These are very challenging times for charities and this is our biggest fundraiser of the year. WE NEED YOU more than ever! To register for FREE, please visit: https://bit.ly/32QoLXc As you move, please share with us! Hashtag #wellwoodheroes #kickingcancersbutt #walkrunwheel #hamont #virtualwellwood & tag us @wellwood_ca

#VON’s Online Caregiver Support virtual programs support caregivers at all stages. Whether caregivers are looking for a refresher or just starting their caregiving journey, these seminars start with the basics. December’s schedule is here

Wellwood's WEEK-LONG virtual KICKING CANCER'S BUTT event starts in just 18 days! This year, you can do a lot more than walk, run or wheel. Looking for ideas or inspiration for how YOU can join in? We will be sharing some of the participant stories all along the way. Today, we start with the event bio for our very own Executive Director, Jane. "Running a charity right now (during a pandemic and financial crisis) ain't a job for the faint of heart. These are really, really ch...allenging times for our entire sector. I have been trying to put on a brave face, inspired by the REAL HEROES that we encounter every day at Wellwood. So, in their honour. I've created my own 777 Challenge. Over 7 days, I will dress up as 7 different superheroes, and tackle 7 different sports...all out in public. And will raise $7,000 doing it. You already know that this a great cause and Wellwood is continuing to do amazing work. Your donation will directly support people who are living with the unimaginable anxiety of having cancer in the midst of covid. As an added incentive, and to ensure maximum embarrassment, I promise to post photographic proof of my shenanigans on social media. You willing to pledge to see THAT?" Rumours swirl, but we are hearing buzz that she might just be rollerblading at Bayfront Park as Batman, cycling through suburbs as Mr. Incredible, paddleboarding on chilly Lake Huron as Aquaman, and hiking the Bruce Trail dressed as Superman. SEE? ANYTHING GOES! We invite you to be part of this epic fundraising event! Register FREE by clicking the event logo at www.wellwood.ca, decide on your activity plan for the week, upload a profile pic and your own story, create a team if you choose, then send out the link to collect donations from friends and family. Check back tomorrow for Greg's story! #wellwoodheroes #virtualwellwood #wellwood #walkrunwheel #kickingcancersbutt #hamont

Our new VIRTUAL gathering space for youth is continuing into the Fall season! Piloted this past Summer, this program is for youth/teens living around a serious illness in the family. Our board game for our Board Game Cafe night might just be Scattegories . We’re also super excited to announce our collaboration with Green Venture for our November gathering! To register, please contact us! #wellwoodyouth #virtualwellwood #hamontyouth #youthvoice

We will be sharing a few program updates today! Mindfulness meditation, a practice for mental calming and physical relaxation. Our next VIRTUAL class is STARTING SOON! Benefits of meditation:... can enhance self-awareness can help manage stress and anxiety can promote a sense of serenity To register or to learn more about this program, please contact us! e: [email protected] t: 905-667-8870 Or register online at https://bit.ly/2RYJ6mP #virtualwellwood #wellwood See more

Orange Shirt Day is recognized across Canada each year on September 30 to create awareness of the individual, family, and community intergenerational impacts of the residential school system, and to consistently and intentionally strive toward reconciliation. In honour of Orange Shirt Day, we chose today as the first day we’ve gathered together since March 16. Wellwood staff and volunteers stand in solidarity with our Indigenous community, past, present, and future. You may ...notice that under our masks, lie no smiles. We recognize the severity and importance of today and this never-ending commitment to learning and thoughtfulness. Our shirts were purchased from Woodland Cultural Centre (Brantford, Ont.) in support of their #SavetheEvidence campaign. As one of only a handful of residential school buildings left standing in Canada, the Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School is a physical reminder of the legacy of assimilation imposed upon Indigenous children in Canada. We encourage our community to follow Woodland to learn more about how they preserve and promote Indigenous history, art, language and culture. To learn more about Orange Shirt Day, and how others are organizing across Canada, please visit orangeshirtday.net. #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #reconciliation #WoodlandCultureCentre #SavetheEvidence

We acknowledge the privilege in providing Wellwood’s safe gathering spaces on lands that Indigenous peoples have called home for thousands of years. The City of Hamilton is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant. We recognize that we must do more to learn about the rich history of this land so that we can better understand our roles as r...esidents, neighbours, partners and caretakers. Chedoke Hospital, formerly on the grounds of Wellwood’s community site, was an unwanted home to 1,274 Inuit (many of whom were children) during a traumatic forced relocation for tuberculosis treatment. This is a promise to never forget the harm that was done. #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters

When your remote staff meeting ends with amazing news! Thank you, Kiwanis Club of Hamilton East for going above & beyond during these challenging times

Listen to Dr. Bill Evans and other cancer care specialists as they discuss a variety of practical cancer-related topics to help navigate prevention, treatment and care. Cancer Assistance Program #CancerAssistShow Available on Apple Music, Google Play and Spotify. Recent podcasts:... COVID Impact on Surgery Nutrition and Cancer COVID-19 and Cancer Care See more

The Oak Tree A mighty wind blew night and day, It stole the oak tree’s leaves away, Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark,... Until the oak was tired and stark. But still the oak tree held its ground, While other trees fell all around. The weary wind gave up and spoke, How can you still be standing, Oak? The oak tree said, I know that you Can break each branch of mine in two, Carry every leaf away, Shake my limbs, and make me sway. But I have roots stretched in the earth, Growing stronger since my birth, You’ll never touch them, for you see, They are the deepest part of me. Until today, I wasn’t sure Of just how much I could endure, But now I’ve found, with thanks to you, I’m stronger than I ever knew. by Johnny Ray Ryder, Junior See more

Our VIRTUAL Guided Visualization program features familiar voices of our community featured in a pre-recorded series of relaxing visualizations. Whether meditating yourself to sleep, imagining yourself in a wildlife sanctuary, or making space for pain and discomfort...sessions are unique and endless! Guided Visualization and relaxation sessions can:... help cope with anxiety assist in managing side effects and symptoms ease stress and tension give you a chance to catch your breath To receive these resources, please contact us! e: [email protected] t: 905-667-8870 register online: https://bit.ly/2RYJ6mP

Our Tai Chi volunteer instructor, Bill helped us record a special video for our clients who have been missing their weekly tai chi. Thanks, Bill! *info on how to access coming soon! #community #volunteers #taichi #virtualwellwood

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. We've pulled a book list for families and caregivers as resources to help navigate through this disease. Search here: https://bit.ly/2FIYT6e

Program update: Our Lecture series, Cancer 101: Answering Questions about Treatment Decision Making is back for parts 2 & 3! Wellwood is partnering with the Clinical Trials department Hamilton Health Sciences to present these two unique talks about cancer treatment through Zoom. You may register for one or for both in order to receive the link. To register, please visit eventbrite.ca/d/online/wellwood.... Have questions? Please contact us at [email protected] or 905-667-8870. #virtualwellwood #lectureseries #treatmentoptions #treatment #hamont #learnfromhome

Hello from our mighty, fabulous Front Desk & Concierge volunteer team! Since closing our doors in March, this team has been so important to helping us continue to offer care & support to our community. It was so nice to see their faces this evening. #crew *missing a few key players!

A big thank you to Kiwanis Club of Hamilton East & Staples Canada for thinking of our Wellwood families as they head back-to-school this week! #community #hamont

Here are our virtual program offerings for the Fall session! To learn more about these programs, please visit wellwood.ca/calendar To register for a program, please email, call us or fill out our virtual program registration form!... E: [email protected] T: 905-667-8870 Online registration: https://bit.ly/35Am0uP #virtualwellwood #wellwood #meetingyouwhereyouare #hamont & beyond

From all of us at Wellwood, we wish all of our children, youth & families a healthy, safe & wonderful first day back to school today. We know that it may get tough, it may be challenging, it may even seem a bit scary...but just remember, you have a lot of people in your corner, including us! Oh and of course, be kind and patient to those around you! We’re all learning. One day at a time.

Cancer Assistance Program update:

We posted this several months ago. We know that it's still extremely relevant, especially to many of those who follow us on here. Please know, that we are still here for if and when you need us. #covidsucks #butcanceralsostillsucks To register for Fall virtual support programs, for help navigating resources or just to chat, please email us at [email protected] or call 905-667-8870.