Sheila Tutty
Canadian Cancer Society
At the 10th annual Relay for Life on June 16, it was announced that the Inspire LIFE Program will be offered at Copper Point Resort on October 4 and 5.
Anyone who has been there, knows the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with a cancer diagnosis.
What happens now?… what should I do?… who can I talk to?… what are my options?
InspireHealth, an integrative cancer care centre, based out of Vancouver, has helped over 6,000 British Columbians since it began in 1997.
They are a world leader in integrative cancer care programs that optimize recovery and survival by combining healthful nutrition, exercise, methods for stress reduction, and emotional and immune support.
And now the people of the Columbia Valley may be able to benefit from it, without having to travel to Vancouver. The Inspire LIFE Program has doctors travel to communities to deliver InspireHealth’s two-day program specifically designed for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, along with their caregivers.
If you feel uncertain or overwhelmed by your diagnosis, want guidance as to your options, want to take charge of your life and your health, want cutting-edge research on the latest development in integrative cancer care, and want to stay on the path of healing and recovery, then this program is made just for you.
Topics include nutrition, appropriate exercise, the importance of emotional and spiritual support, stress reduction techniques, shared learning groups and integrating complementary therapies.
The two-day workshop is much more than an information session, it includes experimental and social learning exercises, provide hands-on tools, and helps to develop a local community of support.
Whether you have just been diagnosed, are undergoing treatment, have just finished treatment, want to prevent recurrence, or are just a family member, friend or caregiver and want to participate, it is open to all.
I know of a number of people in the Columbia Valley that have travelled to Vancouver to take part in this two-day program, myself and my daughter included. To say it was life changing, is an understatement.
Sue Engelbracht of Invermere attended the two-day workshop last year and says, “Taking the Inspire LIFE Program was the icing on the cake for me. I had incorporated several lifestyle and dietary changes that I felt supported my cancer treatment program, but it was Inspire LIFE that brought my beliefs and practises into a clear focus. Today I maintain an optimism that I am on the best path to healing and recovery, thanks to the Inspire LIFE philosophy of integrated cancer care.
“It was two days of learning that has impacted my life forever.”
Donna Slobodzian of Fairmont was so inspired by InspireHealth, that she not only continues to go there as a patient, but also volunteers at the centre. She says, “The B.C. Cancer Agency councillor suggested I contact InspireHealth upon my cancer diagnosis in 2009. It was very important to me that I received traditional medical care along with holistic and integrative care for my well-being. The doctors and support staff at InspireHealth gave me much needed hope and support. They taught me to become proactive and provided me with the necessary tools to implement each waking day. I wish I had this knowledge when I was much younger as the techniques have made a very positive change in my life along with my families lives.”
For Connie Watson, InspireHealth was a lifeline. “Soon after getting the devastating news that I had breast cancer, my husband and I attended the Fireside Chat at InspireHealth where we learned about this wonderful program. “Because we have family in Vancouver I decided then that I would try to have my treatment in Vancouver and attend the LIFE Program during that time. The program inspired me to have the confidence to take an active role in my health care, which can be challenging where we live.
“I had tests done in Invermere, Cranbook and Calgary, surgery in Cranbrook and radiation treatment in Vancouver. I am so thankful for the knowledge and support I had from the InspireHealth staff where I became more conscious of good nutrition, the avoidance of chemicals and taking time for me.
“I believe the LIFE Program allowed me to travel this cancer road with faith that I would become healthier and committed to helping others learn about this wonderful program.”
If you would like more information about InspireHealth, any of these ladies would be happy to speak with you. You can reach Sue Engelbracht at 250-342-6846; Donna Slobodzian via email at twinoakd@shaw.ca; Connie Watson at 250-342-6688; or visit their website at www.InspireHealth.ca
