Wellspring Alberta's CEO is Stepping Up for Cancer Support
Last year, when I attended the Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge, I didn’t just see an event, I witnessed community at its strongest. I was moved by the firefighters who came from across Canada – and even internationally – to push themselves to their limits. I watched as volunteers, family members, and supporters lined the stairwell to cheer them on. It demonstrated something I deeply believe: when it comes to cancer, we are strongest when we face it together.
This year, I’ve decided I won’t just speak at a podium or cheer from the sidelines. I’m taking the stairs and choosing to Challenge the Chief.
As CEO of Wellspring Alberta, I spend my days working alongside an extraordinary team of staff, volunteers, and program leaders. But leadership isn’t only about strategy and direction; leadership also means showing up. Climbing is my way of stepping out from behind my desk and standing shoulder to shoulder with the firefighters who support our communities every day, and who deserve our support in return.
I feel a deep sense of gratitude for all they do. Firefighters face significant risks in the line of duty, including an increased risk of cancer. This climb is one way to honour and stand with them.
We are aiming higher this year because the need continues to grow. Cancer care is far more than a medical diagnosis – it’s a human experience: emotional, psychological, practical, relational, and so much more. Wellspring supports the often unseen parts of the cancer journey. The funds raised will directly support Wellspring’s programs and services, ensuring no one faces cancer alone – including firefighters, their families, caregivers, and every individual navigating the human side of cancer.
This cause is deeply personal to me. Cancer has, and continues to touch my life daily as I witness the courage and struggles it brings to the lives of friends, family members, and caregivers. I carry their stories with me as I take on this challenge. I climb for them.
Training will mean months of running and stair repeats in rain and snow, early mornings and long evenings. But I won’t train alone. My dog Sam is signed on to be my training partner in the weeks and months ahead. He simply shows up – consistent, loyal, and ready to go. There’s something fitting about that, because showing up is what this climb is all about: showing up for firefighters, for families facing cancer, and for one another.
On event day, when the stairs feel endless and fatigue sets in, I will think of the uphill road so many face after a cancer diagnosis. And I will remind myself: one step, then another. Keep going.
If this cause resonates with you, I invite you to be part of the climb, even if you’re not taking the stairs. I’ll take the stairs and together we will carry the mission forward — ensuring no one faces cancer alone.
Every contribution matters. Every dollar helps someone feel less alone.
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Sunday Was Incredible!
Thursday 18th Jun
More than 500 firefighters from Calgary, across Alberta, and beyond took on 57 storeys and 1,370 steps at the Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge in support of Wellspring Alberta.
After standing at the bottom and cheering everyone on last year, I joined the Challenge the Chief group and took on the climb myself. I can confirm it is every bit as challenging as it looks.
What struck me most wasn't the climb or the months of training leading up to it. It was seeing so many people come together for a cause that matters.
Firefighters. Police officers. Volunteers. Sponsors. Donors. Community members. And my family too!
All showing up to support people and families living with cancer.
Thank you to everyone who climbed, donated, volunteered, sponsored, organized, or cheered from the sidelines. Events like this don't happen without an incredible community behind them.
I'm grateful to have been part of it and proud of what we accomplished together.
And yes, Sam made it to the event too Share
Just a Few Days Left
Wednesday 10th Jun
A few days left before the big day.
Sam seems remarkably unconcerned about the 57-storey climb ahead. I, on the other hand, have spent the last several months thinking about it.
As we get closer to Sunday, I reflect on just how many people it takes to make an event like this possible.
Our team and event organizers, who have spent countless hours planning every detail.
Our sponsors, whose generosity helps ensure more of the funds raised can go directly toward supporting Albertans affected by cancer.
Our volunteers, who will be showing up early and giving their time to make the day a success. We have more than 150 volunteers registered for Sunday.
Our donors, many of whom have supported climbers like me as we worked toward our fundraising goals.
And of course our climbers. More than 515 firefighters, police officers, first responders, community members, and challengers who have spent weeks (and in many cases months) preparing for this event.
It truly takes a village to pull this off.
And our village happens to stretch across Alberta and beyond, with a shared desire to support people facing cancer and their families.
There is still time to get involved. Donations remain open through the end of June.
If you're looking for a climber to support, I encourage you to check out Krista Weiss, a Wellspring member who courageously signed up for Challenge the Chief this year. You can show your support by making a donation to her page: https://lnkd.in/geCpvdp3
Thank you to our village of supporters. I hope to see many of you this weekend.
One Week Away
Wednesday 10th Jun
It's hard to believe I've been training for the Firefighters Stairclimb Challenge since January through snow, ice, rain, wind, and the occasional beautiful Calgary day.
This morning was one of my last training climbs before next Sunday's event.
I added a bit more gear today - boots, uniform, and a weighted vest. I'm still missing the helmet and air tanks, but getting closer to the real thing. After today, I'm convinced the heat will get me before the weight or the stairs. 😊
My daughter joined me this morning and, not surprisingly, lapped me more than once. Sam was there too. He's been my most consistent training partner over the past several months and still seems more enthusiastic about stairs than I am, although he does have the advantage of taking more breaks while watching me climb.
As I was climbing this morning, it struck me that I'm actually going to miss these training sessions - early mornings, late evenings, and time to myself.
There is something satisfying about working toward a goal, especially when it supports a cause you care deeply about.
The event is only a week away now, and I'm looking forward to standing alongside hundreds of firefighters, police officers, fellow challengers, volunteers, and supporters who are coming together to make a difference for people facing cancer and their families.
See you next Sunday. Share
Training on the Road - May 28
Thursday 28th May
Training while travelling isn't always easy.
But last night Edmonton made it easy.
I found myself on the stairs leading into the River Valley, just west of the Legislature Building, on one of those perfect spring evenings where it seemed like the entire city was outside enjoying the longer days.
As I climbed, I did what I often do when I'm training: I let my mind wander.
At first, I was debating my favourite Noah Kahan song (still undecided).
Then I found myself watching the other people on the stairs. Most were younger than me. Some were running. Some were walking. Some looked like they were just out enjoying the evening.
And I started wondering how many of them have already been impacted by cancer. How many will be in the future.
The reality is that cancer touches nearly all of us in some way.
It's one of the reasons I believe so strongly in the work we do at Wellspring. People don't get to choose whether cancer enters their lives, but they should never have to face it alone.
One month to go until the Firefighters Stairclimb Challenge.
Share
Training Update - April 12
Sunday 12th Apr
If I’m being honest, I thought both the training (and finding time to train) would be easier.
The good news is that I have a faithful training partner.
Sam joins me when I hit the stairs a few times a week. He runs alongside me (until he finds something more interesting to chase).
He doesn’t complain about the pace, which is super helpful.
You know, the stairs are harder than I expected. And that is without extra weight.
It’s a good reminder that anything worth doing usually is.
More to come as June 14 gets closer. Share
Thank you to my Sponsors
$1.02k
Anonymous
$1.02k
Anonymous
Good luck Joanne!
$1,000
Anonymous
Our CEO is on fire. 🔥 Way to go Joanne!
$1,000
C & T Kernahan Family Foundation
$520
Susanne & Mitch Williams
$520
Jane Wachowich
Good luck Joanne! I'll be cheering you on! xoxo Jane
$500
Joanne Aime
$500
Joanne Aime
$500
Jim & Mary Van Der Zalm
Go Joanne Go. We love you!
$500
The Bennetts
$420
Rod Wilson
$300
Linda Gray
$265.30
Rob And Jacqui Mcgillivray
$265.30
Dedicated Consultants Inc.
JoJo - congratulations taking this challenge on, I know you are going to rock it. Such a great cause - you've got my support - always. I will be cheering from the sidelines. Mel
$250
Emily Lennstrom
$250
Tracey Button
Thanks for all that you do to support those living with cancer, their caregivers and their families.
$212.24
Hails Kirker
This sounds really difficult, I am impressed. Happy to do the stairs with you and the dogs sometime!
$212.24
Alexandra Federucci
$212.24
Ryan Gellatly
Way to go!!! You are awesome
$212.24
Ryan Gellatly
Way to go, you are awesome!
$212.24
Greg And Michele Ryan
You Go Girl! Take the old man up with you!
$212.24
Jeff Nawolsky
You go girl! We’re proud of you and happy to support you!
$212.24
Matt And Denise Woofter
You go girl!! Best of luck
$212.24
Steven Reilly
Wish you the best!
$212.24
Allan Campbell
$212.24
Lara Cooke
You got this!!!!
$212.24
Genevieve Romanek
I will be cheering you on from Ontario!!! Go Jo Go!
$212.24
Chyenne Archer
Proud of you Joanne!
$137
Dan & Kerry Veldhuis
$0.10 per step and my $ is on Sam winning!
$107.82
Jill Miller
Cheering for you. Thank you for your dedication and leadership!
$107.82
Sheena C
Cheering you on Joanne!
$107.82
Maureen Macdonald
Go Joanne!
$106.24
Naree Gervais
What an incredible opportunity, happy to support you on this endeavour!
$106.24
Anonymous
Impressive - as always!
$106.24
Rory O'neill
Good luck on June 14, Joanne! ...and on June 15 with the recovery, too! ;)
$106.24
Heather Charbonneau
Climb on. All the best.
$106.24
Lisa And Paul Bryden
My money is on you beating the Fire Chief!
$106.24
Krista Poole
Way to go- with love and eternal gratitude Xo Krista
$106.24
Steph Todd
$106.24
Andrew Mcgillivray
$106.24
Richard John Lane
$100
Dean Olmstead
$81.97
Janice Cullen
Your dedication and practice paid off… my knees ache just thinking about it! I am in awe, and proud of you!
$81.97
Janet And John Cook
Such a wonderful and tough thing you’re doing, Joanne! Sending good wishes and a few extra ounces of stamina for this arduous event.
$81.97
Deb Bergeson
Thank you for your courage and training and support. You are inspirationally leading by example, and I’m grateful to you. I appreciate the support you and your Carma House team have extended to me over the past six months.
$80.15
Shelley V.
Appreciate your dedication, as always!
$78.35
Dave Campbell
$75
Méan
I believe that you can do
$50
Teresa Schwarz
Way to go Joanne! So wonderful of you to support Wellspring in this amazing way. You’ve got this! Hugs sent your way.
$38.35
Naomi Van Veen
$22.72
Anonymous
We admire your determination and courage. May the Lord be with you and give you strength and stamina.
Good luck!