A new cancer support group with big plans has formed in the region.
“Together Courageous” is a group formed by three locals who have all battled with the illness themselves: Connie Cox, Wendy Keith and Bertha “Ellie” Walker.
“We’re brand new as of January,” said Cox, in a recent interview.
“It’s Wendy Keith’s dream … a lot of people have been touched by cancer.”
The purpose of the group is to provide “a sense of community” for those who are impacted by cancer.
Whether someone is battling with the disease themselves, or has a loved one who is, everyone is welcome to come to the group, share their stories, get information and resources, and make sure they do not have to battle the illness alone.
According to Cox, Keith posted on social media in mid-January wondering whether or not there would be a demand for this sort of group, and within a week they held their first meeting with eight people.
Since then, the group has met monthly with a steady stream of new faces.
In the time since founding the group, Keith and Cox have presented to both the Town of Stettler and the County of Stettler councils. At the County of Stettler, a motion was made to donate $500 to the fledgling group to help it get started.
Together Courageous has also partnered with Stettler and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS); FCSS has allowed the group to actually hold one of its two monthly meetings at its offices as well as provide a ready list of resources and information, such as how to access homecare and Meals on Wheels.
On March 18, Together Courageous partnered with FCSS to bring Wellspring Cancer Support Alberta to the community for two presentations on that organization’s many free cancer support resources.
Wellsprings offers a range of services for those battling cancer ranging from national and fitness help to mental health support.
Another awareness initiative takes place on March 23 with the group’s “Walk all over cancer.”
March is “Walk Over Cancer Month” and the group will be meeting at the No Frill’s parking lot at 1 p.m. before walking up and down Main Street.
According to Cox, the walk is for awareness purposes only, not for fundraising.
“We want to let people know we’re here, we exist,” said Cox.
A refreshment table will be set up on Main Street in front of Well’s Furniture.
The walk is expected to last until around 3 p.m., and everyone, including those from surrounding areas, is welcome.
Together Courageous holds two meetings on the first Thursday of each month, one at 1:30 p.m. at the FCSS office, and the other at 7 p.m. at the Stettler Regional Board of Trade office.
For more information about the support group, the group can be found on Facebook at Stettler Cancer Support Group Together Courageous.