Wellspring Niagara provides a ‘calm port’ during the ‘storm’ of cancer
As much as cancer is a physical illness, Sue Bernier believes a person’s battle against the disease is as much a mental struggle as it is physical.
“Cancer is a storm, and Wellspring is the calm port,” she says.
And Bernier would know. In 1999 doctors diagnosed her with ovarian cancer. She had to undergo both surgery and chemotherapy. In 2007 the cancer came back, and she once again required surgery and chemo.
It was around the time of the second diagnosis that Bernier developed the ideas for Necklaces of Hope, which has grown into a massive volunteer undertaking that creates and sells necklaces, bracelets and earrings to raise money for Wellspring Niagara. What started as a small way to take her mind off the cancer and to give back has raised $350,000 in 10 years for the cancer support organization, along with another $40,000 for other cancer groups.
“I started it, but it’s a team,” Bernier says. She went to a craft show in Texas in 2007, and loved the crocheted necklaces on display.
She made some herself, and the necklaces sold out in a heartbeat. Through friends and acquaintances, a team grew around her. Her 90-year-old mom still helps and has made 5,000 necklaces.
When the fundraising effort exploded, Bernier created a foundation to organize the work. Companies like PenFinancial Credit Union help by selling the items out of their business.
A few years ago her husband got sick and three years ago he died. While caring for him, the foundation took a bit of a back seat for Bernier. But now, with Wellspring Niagara building a new centre in Pelham, and the need to provide support for cancer patients and their families only growing, Bernier is hoping the foundation can again do its part. She’s welcoming anyone interested in helping crochet the necklaces, or any businesses willing to sell them, to reach out to her.
All the items are sold for $5 apiece.
For Bernier, part of it was being able to talk to others who are going through the same thing.
“You talk to other cancer patients differently than a family member because you’re on the same journey,” she said.
The Help Us Build Hope campaign seeks to raise $5 million to help pay for the 11,000-square-foot facility.
For more information, call Bernier at 905-295-0636 or Wellspring Niagara at 905-684-7619.