Speak Up Ontario Ontario-specific ACP resources, including guides, videos, and information about Substitute Decision-Makers. www.speakupontario.ca

Advance Care Planning Canada National ACP resources and tools for Canadians. www.advancecareplanning.ca

Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association https://www.chpca.ca/initiatives/advance-care-planning-canada/

Health Care Consent Act (Ontario) Legal framework for healthcare consent in Ontario. https://www.cpso.on.ca/physicians/policies-guidance/policies/consent-to-treatment/guide-to-the-health-care-consent-act

Thinking about these topics can bring up difficult feelings.

Here are resources that may help:

Crisis Support (Immediate Help):

• Talk Suicide Canada (Crisis Line): 1-833-456-4566 (24/7)

• Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 686868

• Your family doctor or local hospital emergency department

Ongoing Emotional Support:

• Psychology Today (Find a Therapist): www.psychologytoday.com/ca

• Ontario Telemedicine Network: Connect with counsellors virtually. https://otn.ca/patients/bounceback/

• BetterHelp Canada: www.betterhelp.com (online therapy platform - paid service)

Grief Support:

• Bereaved Families of Ontario: www.bereavedfamilies.net

• GriefShare Support Groups: www.griefshare.org

Self-Guided Mental Health Tools:

• Calm Harm: Free app for distress tolerance

• Headspace or Calm: Guided meditation and breathing exercises

• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): www.camh.ca

Need help with Powers of Attorney or other legal documents?

• Law Society of Ontario - Lawyer Referral Service: www.lso.ca/public-resources/finding-a-lawyer-or-paralegal

• Community Legal Clinics in Ontario: Free legal services for qualifying individuals. https://www.cleo.on.ca/en/publications/ontario/how-find-community-legal-clinic

• Legal Aid Ontario: www.legalaid.on.ca

Online Will Platforms:

• Willful: https://www.willful.co/

• Legal Wills Canada: https://www.legalwills.ca/

These are organisations I’ve either worked with personally or trust deeply — each offering support, connection, or care for people navigating cancer across the GTA and beyond.

Gilda’s Toronto is a registered charity supporting people living with cancer, as well as their families and caregivers. They offer a wide range of free programs and services. I had a wonderful experience in their 20s & 30s virtual support group. https://www.gildasclubtoronto.org/

Cancer Fatigue Services is Canada’s first medical care service dedicated to cancer-related fatigue. Their care model is comprehensive, personalized, and incredibly supportive. I worked with them in 2025 when I was tired of being tired, and I highly recommend them. You can try their free Cancer Fatigue Analyzer or book a consultation. https://cancerfatigueservices.com/

Pink Pearl Canada is a community-oriented organization that supports and connects young women navigating cancer. I attended my first Pink Pearl retreat in 2023 and later served as a peer mentor from 2024–2025 — a deeply meaningful experience. https://pinkpearlcanada.org/our-story/

Bloom Club creates joy-focused events for young women diagnosed with cancer, fostering connection through thoughtfully curated local gatherings. I joined the first Hamilton Sunflower Club in February 2024, and we’re still going strong. https://www.bloomclub.ca/

Rethink Breast Cancer has been supporting people affected by breast cancer in Canada for over 20 years. They offer community spaces, support programs, and a wealth of practical resources. https://rethinkbreastcancer.com/

Hamilton Community Legal Clinic Free legal services for qualifying Hamilton residents. https://hamiltonjustice.ca/en/

Hamilton Health Sciences —Palliative Care Services https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/areas-of-care/palliative-care/

Hamilton Health Sciences —Indigenous Care & Services https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/mcmaster-childrens-hospital/patients-visitors/while-youre-here/patient-family-services/indigenous-care-services/

Hamilton Health Sciences —Indigenous Care & Services https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/mcmaster-childrens-hospital/patients-visitors/while-youre-here/patient-family-services/indigenous-care-services/

Hospice Palliative Care Ontario Resources to Support Indigenous & First Nations Peoples https://www.hpco.ca/fnimresourcesforhsp/

First Nations Health Authority Advance Care Planning Support https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/healthy-living/advance-care-planning

The Waiting Room Revolution Podcast: McMaster Professors, Dr Hsien Seow and Dr Samantha Winemaker host this podcast that can help anyone dealing with serious illness https://www.waitingroomrevolution.com/podcast

Advance Care Planning Canada YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@AdvanceCarePlanning