Photo: (Left to right) County of Stettler councillor Les Stulberg, Pastor Clayton Grice of the Evangelical Free Church in Coronation, and Town of Stettler Mayor Sean Nolls at the Together Courageous group’s spaghetti dinner on Sept. 9 at The Coffee Tree.

The Together Courageous group hosted a spaghetti dinner Sept. 9 at The Coffee Tree in Stettler to celebrate and honour caregivers of cancer patients.

The evening brought together people connected by different journeys with cancer, offering support and recognition to those who often work quietly in the background. Guests were served spaghetti, Caesar salad, dessert, coffee and refreshments in a warm and welcoming setting prepared by Coffee Tree owner Nev Frljak.

Together Courageous was formed in January 2024 by Connie Cox and Wendy Keith, who each founded the group while going through their own experiences with cancer. Cox opened the evening by thanking caregivers for their support and compassion.

Pastor Clayton Grice of the Evangelical Free Church in Coronation gave grace before the meal, followed by short speeches from local officials. County of Stettler Coun. Les Stulberg reflected on the importance of having a support network and shared personal stories of how cancer has touched his family. Stettler Mayor Sean Nolls spoke about the value of community, calling the gathering one of the proudest moments he has seen in the community. Both leaders noted the resources available through Stettler and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).

Caregivers also spoke, sharing their experiences navigating the health system and the challenges of advocating for patients. Several highlighted the support of nurses and palliative care staff, describing them as part of the family. Others spoke about the toll cancer takes on children and loved ones, including the fear that the disease may return.

Stulberg encouraged the group to “never give up,” pointing to positive outcomes that can come through perseverance. Stories shared during the evening emphasized how small acts of kindness—such as driving a patient to appointments, offering a listening ear, or sending a message to someone recently diagnosed—can feel like a source of strength and comfort.

Organizers said the dinner was about building connections and ensuring caregivers feel valued. Cox expressed gratitude to Frljak for opening her café and preparing the meal, saying the setting helped make the evening both relaxing and supportive.

The Stettler cancer support group, Together Courageous, meets on the second Tuesday of each month. The next gathering is set for Oct. 14 at 7 p.m., offering a comfortable and understanding setting where caregivers can find connection and encouragement. Organizers hope participants leave feeling less alone and recognized for the important role they play.

Anyone seeking support on their cancer journey can contact Connie Cox at davis.conniecox@gmail.com or by phone at (403) 741-8419 or Wendy Keith at dwgjkeith@gmail.com or by phone at (403) 741-8305. Additional services are also available through Family and Community Support Services by email at info@stettlercsc.ca or by phone at (403) 742-2337.

The waiting room

Filled with cancer patients...Quiet, whispering, talking;

Young and old

From different demographics,

Social status;

Younger and older couples

Holding hands...

All on a cancer journey.

Young people alone or with a caregiver,

Each one's eyes telling a story

Wondering what the outcome will be

Hoping all the treatments they endure

Will result in beating cancer

So as to be with their loved ones...

The waiting room

By an African Rose

Aug 6, 2022