faces of wellness
Are you a face of wellness in your community?
We’re celebrating for Albertans who are everyday champions for wellness in their communities.
Whether that’s making positive lifestyle changes toward becoming healthier, promoting a health-related cause, making the most of life while living with a chronic condition, standing up for mental health or being a role model for others, through it’s Faces of Wellness program, Alberta Blue Cross® recognizes Albertans who are taking steps toward living healthier lives.
2022 Faces of Wellness
Lauren Kennedy West
Lauren Kennedy West is the grand prize winner of our second annual Faces of Wellness program to recognize Albertans who are everyday champions for wellness in their own lives, workplaces and communities.
Lauren is an Edmonton mother of three who embodies what it means to live well with schizophrenia. Lauren not only works hard to practice wellness in her own life and the lives of her family but is inspiring others around the world through her YouTube channel called 'Living Well with Schizophrenia' where she shares her experiences living with and navigating her illness. The channel has over 175,000 subscribers and her videos have over 16 million views. She provides a safe space for countless people who would otherwise feel alone in their experience of schizophrenia and exemplifies what it means to live well with her illness. Lauren also runs an online peer support community for those living with schizophrenia spectrum illnesses, is a fierce advocate for mental health care reform and has become a prominent voice in the mental health advocacy community.
Beyond her advocacy work, Lauren works hard every day on her own wellness, managing her schizoaffective disorder largely through medication, but also therapy, sleep, nutrition and exercise. She is an avid runner and has run multiple ultra marathons as a component of her wellness journey.
Lauren was awarded an all-expense-paid weekend wellness experience in Banff for her inspiring story.
Learn about the 2022 Faces of Wellness honoureesFace the facts
Who can apply?
The Faces of Wellness award is open to legal residents of Alberta who are at least 18 years of age at the time of entry and submits—or someone else submits on their behalf—a story about their personal wellness journey.
What do applicants have to do to apply?
Include a true, original story about themself or the individual they are nominating with
- their wellness experience and how or if they overcame a challenge to live their best life,
- examples of how the entrant lives a life of wellness and regularly encourages others to do the same, and
- examples of the impact the entrant has had on their community or circle.
Don’t forget to include uplifting or aspirational photos or a video of the entrant that evokes inspiration and embodies moments that demonstrate living their best life.
What is the reward for being the face of wellness?
Besides the pride of being a champion for wellness in your community?
The grand prize winner will also be awarded a weekend away in the Alberta Rockies! The prize includes a free, two-night hotel stay; transportation to get there and back; treats from local businesses; and the opportunity to live their best, pampered life with a loved one or friend.
Runners up will also receive a $500 gift card to Sport Chek.
For the full contest rules, click here. Learn about the 2021 Faces of Wellness honourees.Mark your calendar
Application deadline
Submissions and nominations for Faces of Wellness are closed. Stay tuned for the 2023 program nomination dates.
When will successful applicants be notified?
Faces of Wellness award recipients will be announced in
December 2022.
