A new facility supporting individuals and families dealing with cancer will offer services to Foothills residents.

Wellspring Calgary is holding a grand opening for the Randy O'Dell house in Seton Tuesday, October 8.

The non-profit, which operates Carma House near the Tom Baker Cancer Society, found that families affected by cancer from the Foothills weren't taking advantage of their services.

"What we learned over time is that people who live in the Foothills and some of our south communities just found it too far to make their way to Carma House," said Executive Director Patti Morris. "Even though everything we offer is free of charge, sometimes the commute prevented people from being able to take advantage of the resources we have to offer."

Programs, a speaker series, and financial support are among the services available to families dealing with cancer. No referral is required to access the services at the O'Dell house.

Morris hopes they'll be able to reduce barriers to support and programs for families in the Foothills.

"All of those things are available to help people pick up the pieces after a cancer diagnosis," she said. "We're hopeful that people in the Foothills will be able to really take advantage of those resources not through this new center."

The intention of the O'Dell house is to be open and welcoming to anyone whose family or friends have been affected by cancer. Morris hopes people will feel welcome to just walk in.

"What's really wonderful about Wellspring is you really can just show up," she said. "What people find when they walk through the door is almost an immediate sense of relief. Because what you'll find is not just all of those resources that exist, but you'll also find a community of people who understand."

The grand opening of the Randy O'Dell house is Tuesday, October 8 from 4 - 7 p.m.

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