1 person found this review helpful
weSPARK Cancer Support Center
July 14, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
Great organization! The staff and volunteers are extremely helpful and generous. Support groups are varied for different demographics and extremely helpful as they provide an opportunity for people facing the same issues (both as cancer survivors/patients as well as caregivers) to share information, grief support and advice/guidance regarding many aspects of coping with cancer.
The seminars, workshops and groups range from Tai Chi, yoga, pilates, meditation, jewelry making, creative writing and mahjong. Some of the movement classes are tailored to address physical issues facing cancer patients and survivors. Individual services often include: Reiki, reflexology, and hypnotherapy. All provide acknowledgement and respect towards attendees.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
From 2007 - 2011.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
No real changes needed.
July 7, 2011
Guess what? They have added a young adults group! This is so wonderful and so important. It would been really nice to have around when I was going through treatment. I am so glad that the organization recognized the need, and helped fill this gap in the young adult cancer community. Now I know I have somewhere I can go to give my support to others who are going though something I have experienced.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
See previous review
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
If only this organization could be everywhere! I know there are so many more people who could benefit, as it is already making such a big impact on people's lives.
June 30, 2010
WeSpark is a wonderful resource for those who have or have experienced cancer, or those who take care of them. All services are free and take into account the needs of cancer patients: A donation center where clients can drop off or pick up wigs and other personal care supplies, gentle activities to keep the cancer patient engaged and active, such as Yoga, Tai Chi, story writing, jewelry making, etc, support groups for patients and relatives, individual counseling, holistic healing options such as Reiki and Qi Gong, and an extensive library of information on cancer at your fingertips. This place is absolutely wonderful - a caring and calm sanctuary where you can go to be with others in your situation, or try something new. It really helps add some brightness to your life as you are going through cancer treatment. It really gave me a reason to get up and out of bed and out of the house during my chemotherapy!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I found WeSpark when I was diagnosed with cancer and a friend recommended it. I was able to take part in healing activites such as Yoga, was able to find a wig and a hat to wear, and found a place to donate items that I was finished using.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would add a support group for young patients undergoing cancer treatment, or maybe for those who have already finished treatment to help advise others who are currently experiencing it. It is very difficult to find peers as a youngish adult with cancer
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the sanctuary inside, feeling like I have a place where I belong and others understand me, finding a great resource for donation or fulfilling needs, trying out Yoga to help get me active again...I could go on and on!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
kind, generous.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
help so many more people! Expand to more locations!
Ways to make it better...
it was closer to where I live. There are only two locations and it took a while to travel to the one closest to me!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Limited locations...which I am sure must be due to limited funds!
One thing I'd also say is that...
it would be very nice to have some sort of resource for younger adults with cancer, specifically. I loved that WeSpark made me feel like I belonged, but it is still somewhat lonely to be a young person with cancer, and hard to find peers.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
June 30, 2011
I have ovarian cancer, reluctant to be in therapy, never done it before. Thought I would be uncomfortable, was the 1st time but made myself go back. It was worth it. I am able to share things that I wouldn't normally share. Feel closeness to the group. We care about each other. Bravo to Lynn.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
its positive impact in the community.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
add a group just for ovarian cancer patients.
June 29, 2011
My heart is so grateful for weSpark. After my cancer diagnosis, weSpark became my home away from home. A truly wonderful organization.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Their services and classes I have attended... all outstanding.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would make no changes.
June 26, 2011
weSPARK is an amazing center where you feel like one big family. The caring and support given is fantastic. There are many options of support to choose from depending on each guests personal needs. The staff is so friendly and accessable. Come in and give it a try!!!!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing the positive results experienced by the guests and their families that participate in the programs offered.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Try to get the word out to more people who might not know about it.
June 25, 2010
The friendly staff is so helpful and the center is warm and cozy. The rooms are filled with laughter and I constantly hear the "guests" talk about how weSPARK has made them feel understood and normal again.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing the smiling faces of the cancer patients and caregivers that attend the groups
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the wonderful staff and guests.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
caring and work very hard to take care of their guests.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
take care of every cancer patient in LA
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
June 25, 2011
Wespark continually lives up to it's mission statement. I have worked for, and been affiliated with non-profits for over 25 years and I am moved by the dedication, compassion, and desire to truly serve their "guests" needs. The work done at Wespark is life altering for all of those involved, including the service providers. I would highly recommend this non-profit to anyone.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have watched guests at Wespark become empowered and better abel toadvocate for them selves. They develop skills necessary for where they are on their cancer journey; whether as survivor, a caregiver, or someone in grief as a result of regular attendence to the services we provide for mind, body and spirit.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
If this organization had a larger budget, it could offer even more services and branch out to other areas in our community.
June 29, 2010
Wespark is an amazing organization because it puts the guests it serves first. They really care about everyone and you can feel it. They appreciate the people who work with and for them which emanates in fabulous care for cancer patients, their family and friends. I have been involved in non-profits for over 25 years and I think Wespark lives their mission statement.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have seen our guests come in devastated by Cancer and feeling all alone. Once they get involved they make friends, get support, learn constructive ways to handle the stress and anxiety associated with Cancer. I see huge changes as they relax and connect
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The care and concern for the guests at Wespark that go into all the decisions made within the organization.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The staff and volunteers really care. They are kind, compassionate, and provide service because they really want to and it shows.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Own it's own building which could better serve the guests by being able to expand and grow their services and the staff who provide them.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
June 24, 2011
I will keep it simple: weSPARK is doing lifesaving work. When I was diagnosed with cancer last year, I turned to the people of weSPARK. They took me through every step of the process. I walked into weSPARK convinced I was going to die and left weSPARK convinced I was going to live. They offered emotional support. They gave me their time. They gave me their wisdom and expertise. They gave me referrals. They helped me believe in my healthcare provider. Today--knock on wood!--I am cancer free. What a journey. I couldn't have done it without weSPARK. Those aren't just words. I mean it.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've experienced the results of this organization as a client/friend who is--with their help--successfully navigating cancer.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
This is a good-hearted, efficient organization. Management is exceptional. I would not make a single change.
June 24, 2011
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I was terrified and a friend put me in touch with WeSpark. They were wonderful and they really knew how to handle my situation. I attended several of their programs and group therapy sessions and I will be forever grateful to them for their caring and help. I can't say enough good things about this organization.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
It gave me the peace of mine I needed to fight my illness.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
No changes
June 23, 2011
i went though breast cancer. during my journey and after wespark gave me support emotionally spiritually, physicallyi thank you so much to Banny and other stafff members for such a understarnding. what ever i needed to get through. clases yoga rekhi, meditation., guided meditation , group discussions, session with pamela. love it. there is not enouph words to write it. one has to experience it.
WESPARK is best thing happened to my life.
thanks
satinder singh (GINI)
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
i gain confidence after attending wespark.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
have more clases and sessions
June 23, 2011
When I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer, I felt very alone and scared. A friend who had received help from the many services that WeSpark offered, told me where to go to get started. They offered so many programs to help with stress (Yoga, Guided Imagery, Tai Chi...to name a few) and the support groups run by wonderful Tara, were of great help during a difficult time. They even helped me get some hats and wigs to prepare for the hair loss during chemo. Having an organization like this, offering programs for free to clients who are struggling with cancer, is a wonderful thing! Thank you, WeSpark!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
receiving emotional support and participating in Guided Imagery classes to help with stress.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
figure out a way for them to be closer to Santa Clarita!
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