On National Cancer Wellness Awareness Day, we are featuring Josh, social worker for the Oncology, Palliative Care, and Complete Breast Care Clinics at Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH). Since joining in August 2024, Josh has become integral to patient care, addressing the emotional and psychosocial dimensions of a cancer diagnosis.
Today holds special significance – a celebration dedicated to recognizing vital community resources supporting patients' well-being throughout treatment. For Josh, this day embodies his work's essence: taking a person-centred approach to cancer care.
"It's about recognizing the value in wellness, beyond the pharmaceutical treatment," Josh explained. His office serves as a sanctuary where patients process fears and discover healing pathways. Each consultation creates what he calls a "non-pharmaceutical prescription" – personalized wellness plans tailored to individual needs.
Josh connects patients with transformative resources. Wellspring, a nationwide organization, offers free specialized programmes including art therapy, cancer exercise, and relaxation techniques. These programmes provide safe spaces where patients engage with others sharing similar journeys.
For breast cancer patients, reThink offers digital networks, virtual support groups, peer mentoring, and psychosocial counselling. "Patients appreciate being in spaces with others who understand their journey," Josh shared.
Lesser-known resources include Wellspring's Money Matters programme, where financial advisors help patients navigate benefits throughout their cancer journey. Wellwood's Curveball programme provides rare spaces for men to discuss mental health challenges openly.
The Wellness House Adult Day Programme, affiliated with JBH, exemplifies comprehensive care through therapy, exercise, and health education focused on quality of life.
Looking forward, Josh champions initiatives like Look Good Feel Better, addressing appearance-related treatment impacts. Their dedication to BIPOC communities, partnering with Every Breast Counts – a resource hub by and for Black women affected by breast cancer – inspires hope for inclusive care.
"And part of the therapeutic work is to just provide a listening ear sometimes," Josh noted. "Patients arrive carrying tremendous weight. My role is helping them unpack these feelings piece by piece."
National Cancer Wellness Awareness Day reminds us that healing extends beyond medical protocols. It embraces community support, cultural sensitivity, and recognizes wellness means different things to different people. Josh Sebastian stands at this network's heart, connecting patients to possibilities they might never have imagined, transforming isolation into hope.