weSPARK Cancer Support Center
Invite reviews
Invite friends and colleagues to share their experiences with this nonprofit
April 11, 2013
weSPARK is a very special organization that is dedicated to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients as well as their families and friends. All of the services are free and the list of services is always expanding. It is "everything but the medicine". The programs are high quality delivered by dedicated people.
The guests describe the support they receive as life changing and the doctors who refer their patients and their families are generous with their praise. The physical, emotional and spiritual support that guests and their families receive help them endure the stress of both the disease and the treatment. Because of the unique way guests are grouped, they develop lasting friendships with people who have, or have had, similar experiences,
It is truly a remarkable organization that delivers a wonderful service to the community and beyond.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
April 8, 2013
I humbly request that weSPARK Cancer Support Center be considered for the highest of the 2013 Top Rated Awards. weSPARK is a treasure in the San Fernando Valley! They offer support in a huge variety of ways, from specific groups, to Qigong, Yoga and Tai-Chi, to one on one encounters with experts who share their talents with cancer patients, their families, and caregivers. I cannot imagine how I would have gotten through the last 8 years of my life without them...
Although there are many different support groups offered at weSPARK, I'm not the "support group" type. Instead, I focus on classes in Qigong, Stress Release and other Meditations, Restorative Yoga and especially the one on one sessions with many fine healers who give so much to weSPARK. I deeply benefit from numerous Infinichi Qigong sessions, enjoy the gentle touch of Reiki practioners, and am soothed by the experienced hands of a master acupuncturist.
At this point in history I doubt there is anyone who hasn't been touched by cancer in some way, either personally, someone in the family, or a friend. If you are one of those people and you live anywhere near the San Fernando Valley, I highly recommend you visit weSPARK and join or help in whatever way you can.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
March 28, 2012
weSPARK has helped me for many years now. They offer so many valuable activities and one-on-one experiences with a variety of talented and caring facilitators. Post surgery and during chemotherapy, I attended restorative yoga and qi-gong classes which not only relaxed me during class, but also allowed me to learn what to do to help myself at home. I've had many appointments with different counselors, energy healers, reiki healers, accupuncture professionals - all caring and helpful people who helped me heal inside and out. Realizing that you are not alone and that others have your same "hair style" makes coping with a serious illness easier, plus you find new friends who really understand what you are going through. I don't really know what I would have done without weSPARK - so I cannot say strongly enough - THANK YOU weSPARK for all your help and care and open door.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
July 30, 2009
It's difficult to put into words the effect that WeSPARK had on my well being and spirit during the most difficult time of my life. Although they have all the typical "group" scenarios available for their members, they have the perfect combination of activities to suit everyone.
I found
compassion, empathy, great friends, and new ways of being from the Qi-Gong and Yoga classes. I rekindled my love and affection for horses with their classes in Equine Therapy. The one on one sessions with Energy Healers and Reiki Healers were beyond compare.In my humble opinion WeSPARK is the Number One Cancer Support Center. I am honored to be a member and to have such good care and I recommend this organization to anyone who needs their help.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my own road to recovery from near death. I am now back to normal and must thank WeSPARK for their role in my recuperation.
More feedback...
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
April 5, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
weSPARK is a gift that actor and humanitarian Wendie Jo Sperber gave to the Los Angeles area about 12 years ago. This is a place where cancer "warriors", their family and friends can come to get support, information and a place to talk and be heard at no cost at all. I had colon cancer in 1999 and when weSPARK opened, I took advantage of their services. Sure, friends can give you support and tell you what you want to hear, but at weSPARK I was able to talk with people who were going through what I had gone through (always with a professional leader at the helm of our support group meetings). I don't know what I would have done without weSPARK and their incredibly caring and ever present staff. That is why, as a Board Member, I donate so many hours out of my week and as much money as I can to help keep weSPARK alive and thriving. Sadly, Wendie Jo Sperber is no longer with us, but I pray that weSPARK will be here for many years to come.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
October 16, 2012
I could never ask anyone for money for myself, but I have no shame approaching anyone who might have some money for weSPARK. I am so proud to be a part of this organization. Cancer is a tough disease and weSPARK gives people who are afflicted, along with their spouses and children, the tools and strength to bravely battle. Did I say that all services are FREE? Well they are!
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
March 28, 2012
I have been a founding member, board member and guest since weSPARK's inception in 2000. As a founding member, I have watched weSPARK grow from a small group of people sitting around our founder Wendie Jo Sperber's dining room table to an organization that helps many people who are battling or supporting warriors against cancer. As a guest, I used the weSPARK facilities as I battled malignant colon cancer. They were literally lifesavers. Asking nothing in return, they gave me the knowledge and hope to get better. And finally, as a board member, I am honored to be able to take part in the day to day fundraising for this incredible organization. It is necessary to so many people in the Los Angeles area. May it last forever or until their is no more cancer in anybody's life.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
July 30, 2009
I was one of the founding members of Wendie Jo Sperber's dream. Little did I know when weSPARK began that I would become a "guest". In 1999, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. Surgery followed along with 6 months of chemotherapy. In October, I will be cancer free for 10 years. weSPARK has stayed by my side during these last 10 years with constant support. I don't know what I would have done without them, and enjoy working for them in helping others.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The staff makes you feel totally at home. The weSPARK experience is filled with love, education and compassion.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
become national and not just local. The weSPARK Cancer Support Center would be available to all in need across America.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
November 12, 2012
I am a participant at weSpark, and it has been a life-changing experience for me. I have received a lot of support through the different facilitators there as well as the participants. The classes, workshops, groups, energy work, and the people there have been wonderful. It's a place like no other. I have also made some very good friends there. We have all been through the cancer challenge in one way or another, and it creates a bond. It is a great place to come for anyone dealing with cancer in their life or the life of a loved one.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
March 28, 2012
weSPARK has made a huge difference in my life in so many ways! The services that I have received there have been life changing. I have participated in the guided imagery group, the writing group, qi gong, energy sessions, many workshops, the power of play...and so many other wonderful classes. I have healed and grown in so many ways that are very much noticed by me and others. I don't know what I would have done at such a difficult time in my life, or who I'd be without weSpark's amazing services. The wonderful people I have met and the friends I have made have also been part of the life changing process at weSpark.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 25, 2012
Well!Write about cancer is very hard ,because this disease is a thing that makes me little down...but,we need to see this question with the brain ...first step...the brain is our friend to try understand this great trouble!!!!After put the hands to work...and say to all people that has money,that give help is a wonderfull thing that God put in your hands and you are a person who has the great bless of God!!!You!!God choice you to do a wonderfull work!!!!I dont pray to you give your colaboration ...I tell you,that God gives to you a great opportunity....So ,think....I can do the difference!I am blessed for God....I help someone that needs me!!!!!!!!Go !!!!!!Dr.Ronaldo Brandão Brochado.Physician.From Campos dos Goytacazes -Brasil.To all people in the world that has a great heart and a wonderfull soul!!!!Thanks!!!!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 16, 2012
Tell your story here and help others understand this charityWespark welcomed me with open arms after my cancer diagnosis in 2004. There I found a place where I could cry, laugh, hurt, heal, and have questions answered. I am and will always be grateful.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
March 28, 2012
WeSpark provided me with invalable information and support when I needed it most. They welcomed me with open arms from the moment I entered their space. I will always be grateful for their healing spirit.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
September 4, 2012
I have been a volunteer at weSPARK fundraising events for the past 14 years. I am a cancer survivor and am now on the Board of Directors. weSPARK is unique in the fact that we consider holistically the entire family. Not just one member of a family has cancer all of them must live through the experience and the pain. At weSPARK free services that insurance does not pay for is provided to all. The groups are very distinct in the type of cancer or level which you are at. It considers family members that are dealing with a loved one or have lost a loved one. There is no other place as unique as wSPARK. I can emphatically state that weSPARK is a GREAT Non-Profit whose heart is in the right place. I am a much better person for my association as a volunteer and Board of Directors member and I for one am proud of it. weSPARK deserves this recognition as a small community driven entity whose heart is in the right place. I am a much better person for my association as a volunteer.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
July 22, 2009
I began Volunteering for weSPARK 10 years ago. It is an amazing organization unlike any other cancer support center. It combines the healing of mind, spirit and body with holistic and creative support. You find caring persons while proving all the services for FREE in a home like environment. I as a cancer survivor am proud to be associated with this organization.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I talk to the Guests that spend time at weSPARK while fighting their battle with horrible disease. The positive energy and spirit that it lifts in them is profoundly gratifying and I know that I can make a little bit of a difference in those lives.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Spend more money on outreach.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The people and the good that it does for guests who need support.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
People who volunteered and are dediciated and enjoy the experiance.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Do much good in a way no other cancer support center provides the services and the way it specializes in bringing groups of persons that have the same needs and dealing with similar conditions. The atmosphere is a living room environment Non-Threatening
Ways to make it better...
More awareness of our free services so we can grow and reach out to others.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Program dollars.
One thing I'd also say is that...
weSpark is like no other place for free support services.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
August 31, 2012
WeSPARK helped me tremendously during a time when I was fighting for my life. I appreciate the variety of services they offer, from many support groups, to yoga, qi-gong, tai-chi classes, arts and crafts and one on one sessions with reiki and other healers. Personally I find the one on one experiences help me the most. I also enjoyed the qi-gong and yoga classes. Through all my experiences the staff at WeSPARK were always compassionate, helpful, and giving. I have highly recommended WeSPARK to friends with cancer and their caregivers and will continue do so. WeSPARK deserves to be recognized as a gem in their field and they should be awarded accordingly. Thank you for reading my review.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
August 30, 2012
WeSpark has been a Godsend to me as a caregiver and now as a cancer survivor. It is a place of serenity-- the calm eye of the storm.
When the toll of taking care of my mom reached critical mass, a Kaiser social worker referred me to WeSpark. The biofeedback, counseling sessions, jewelry making, energy session, and grief support kept me going when I might have given up.
When my Kaiser radiologist coldly informed me of my diagnosis over the phone 1-20-11, and then hung up, in this time of shock, then fear, I again called WeSpark. I got the compassionate support I needed from WeSpark’s Bonnie Franklin, M.S. M.F. T. She even followed up a week later to see that I was okay. I have not been able to get there in recent months due to health concerns and distance. Yet, just knowing WeSpark is there has been a blessing.
Suggestions: Bring back Marilyn who taught biofeedback. Have someone post the times of groups or classes on-line.
Thank you, WeSpark.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
August 29, 2012
The people that work here do so because they either have a story or, just want to help. You don't feel like it's their job to help you. They do because they care. My Wife has cancer. You can talk to them. The activities help allot too.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Filter by reviewer role:
- Volunteer64
- Client Served226
- Expert21
- Public81
- Board Member12
- Donor23
- Advisor0
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews