Those who come to HopeSpring are looking for a greater sense of confidence and control while coping with cancer. Our visitors include:

• those who are newly-diagnosed,
• those who are in active treatment, and
• those well beyond their medical appointments.

After a few words with our receptionist, first-time visitors usually meet with someone who outlines our programs and services. From there, a visitor may:

• sign up for a course,
• choose a wig,
• browse through our resource centre, or
• have a private conversation with someone who really understands the impact of cancer.

Ongoing visitors will often head right into their activity; perhaps a yoga class, reiki treatment, or group session. Our environment is relaxed, informal, and supportive of your individual needs and preferences. Many people are surprised at the warmth and laughter within our Centre.

Address

43 Allen Street W. 
Waterloo, ON N2L 1C9
519-742-HOPE (4673)

For program related questions please e-mail support@hopespring.ca

For administrative inquiries please e-mail office@hopespring.ca

Map and driving directions

Hours

Monday & Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Staff

All staff can be reached at 519-742-HOPE (4673).

Board of Directors

HopeSpring was founded in 1995 by a group of dedicated individuals who were committed to providing vital information and life-affirming programs, services and support to Waterloo Region residents affected by cancer.

HopeSpring's primary goal then and now is to empower people with knowledge, support and healing tools to assist them on their journey with cancer.

Since 1995, thousands of people have used our programs and services which are based on well-established methods of coping with significant stress. HopeSpring's core program, "Tools for the Healing Journey", was created by Dr. Alastair Cunningham, a senior scientist with Princess Margaret Hospital and the Ontario Cancer Institute. Dr. Cunningham received the Order of Canada for his groundbreaking work on the effects of mental therapies, particularly those dealing with mind-body interactions, as an adjunct to medical treatment for cancer. HopeSpring's programs are based on Dr. Cunningham's theory that group programs for cancer patients, offering support and teaching coping skills such as relaxation, positive mental imagery and goal setting, can greatly improve the patient's mood, sense of control and quality of life.

HopeSpring's first home was the Kuntz House on King Street in Waterloo, and programs were introduced in January, 1996. In 1997, HopeSpring moved to its present location at 43 Allen Street West in Waterloo. In 2006, a second location in Cambridge was established at 51 Cambridge Street in Cambridge but closed in 2010. The Cambridge community can still attend HopeSpring programs at alternate locations in the city of Cambridge.

HopeSpring is a not-for-profit organization that does not receive government funding and depends upon donations from organizations and individuals in our Region. We are proud to have strong community support from local companies including Manulife Financial, DeLisi & Associates, and the Brighthouse Branding Group. We greatly value each and every donation of time and money that helps to ensure that HopeSpring's programs and services will be sustained well into the future.

HopeSpring is an autonomous organization with its own Board of Directors. HopeSpring enjoys a strong and supportive working relationship with area hospitals, hospices and cancer support groups. You can find links to these organizations on this website.  For a more complete history of HopeSpring, please call or visit us.

HopeSpring announced a new strategic plan for 2010-2013 in July 2010.  View an outline of our Strategy.

Our Mission Statement:

• To provide a warm and caring facility where cancer patients and their families can come together to obtain information and support to better deal with their disease;
  
• To provide information about other life-affirming therapies that would support their own existing medical treatments;
• To offer a source of hope and inspiration through interaction with volunteers who have been involved in their own healing.
  

Our Spring issue of our newsletter "The HopeSpring Journey" is now available on the website.  We also have hard copies available at HopeSpring. If you are currently on our mailing list for "The HopeSpring Journey" and would like to help save the environment and our mailing costs please email us. We hope you enjoy reading about what is happening at HopeSpring!

The Spiritual Warrior Scholarship Program was created to honour the memory of one of its founding members, Dan Blasutti. The program was developed to encourage others to follow Dan's example when faced with a diagnosis of cancer. Rather than retreating from the community during his three-year journey with cancer, Dan chose to reach out and embrace the world around him. In doing so, he gained a new awareness of the richness of life and the strength of the human spirit.

Each year, the Spiritual Warrior Scholarship Awards recognize young Canadians who demonstrate qualities that best capture the spirit of Dan Blasutti ... creative, inspirational and community-minded. Three awards are presented annually to students planning to attend their first year at a post-secondary school. The awards are $2,000 each, and are available to individuals living, working, or attending secondary school in Waterloo Region, Upper Grand, and Wellington Catholic District School Boards.

Although Dan died in October 1995, before HopeSpring opened its doors to the public, his ideals and vision continue to guide HopeSpring's programming and services, and his essence lives on through the Spiritual Warrior Scholarship Awards, which are presented each year at Manulife's Celebrate & Educate Italian Dinner and Silent & Live Auction for HopeSpring.

Congratulations to our 2011 Spiritual Warrior winners are Phi Hoang, Leigha Romahn and Ruby Szpeflicki.

The essays for the 2011 winners are here:

• Phi Hoang
• Leigha Romahn
• Ruby Szpeflicki