The Nigerian storyteller Ben Okri once wrote, "a people are as healthy and confident as the stories they tell themselves. Sick storytellers can make nations sick. Without stories we would go mad. Life would lose its moorings or orientation.... Stories can conquer fear, you know. They can make the heart larger." In sharing the stories of our patients, we at InspireHealth have indeed had our hearts made larger. We are honoured and blessed to be a part of their stories -your stories. They are of love, of compassion, of triumph, of loss, of our shared humanity, of connecting with our deeper truth and Grace.

Our clients speak of hope and their stories testify to what is possible. Over the years for example, many have spoken to the incredible power of our LIFE program....

"The LIFE program was a great light for me. I was so scared upon receiving my diagnosis, I didn't know who to turn to, what to do. But after attending the LIFE Program, I realized that healing begins within me. I feel empowered to take charge of my health and healing. I am hopeful about my situation and feel incredibly renewed. Thank you!" ~ LIFE program participant

"This program should be available to every single person diagnosed with cancer, their families, friends and, most importantly, their doctors! Absolutely lovely staff, warm and inviting environment, and support like no other health care facility can offer. I look forward to starting my health program." ~ LIFE program participant

"These two days have given me the will to live way beyond the doctors' prognoses!!! I am very grateful to all the presenters." ~ LIFE program participant

In an email last week, I mentioned how we are on the tipping point of healthcare change in the province. For many of our patients, they too are experiencing their own personal tipping point. They have moved from fear and passive receptivity into a much more dynamic and vital way of living. In many ways they are changing the story of cancer and of cancer care in the province. In fact, preliminary findings show that InspireHealth's patients are surviving up to three times longer than individuals who receive standard cancer treatment alone.

We at InspireHealth look to stories to inspire, to build community, and to provide needed perspectives on cancer care. Together with you, we want to change the story of cancer. At this time, we would like to share with you the first of a series of inspiring video stories told by InspireHealth patients. We would also like to invite you as a patient or support person to contribute your story on video or in print. If you want to share your insights and perspective on integrative care and the InspireHealth experience contact Jacs Spence at 604.734.7125 x399 or jspence@inspirehealth.ca.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Blessings,

David Adams Director of Operations InspireHealth www.inspirehealth.ca