People we LOVE: Glynis Belec
April 23, 2014
It doesn’t matter if she’s talking about her grandchildren, her awareness and fundraising volunteer work for Ovarian Cancer Canada or her most recent children’s book Mrs. B. Has Cancer, Glynis Belec exudes pure passion. This is a woman who can get you excited about life!
“When I do things, I kind of do them full force,” says the award-winning author, publisher and survivor of stage 1c ovarian cancer. “It’s all about passion and purpose.”
The nurse became a writer and fundraiser
The Drayton, Ontario nurse-turned-tutor-and-writer was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2008; she underwent surgery and six months of chemotherapy. “I lost my hair, I lost my dignity, I lost my pride and I learned a lot,” says Glynis.
Although her first inclination was to retreat, Glynis’ daughter Amanda went online, found out about Ovarian Cancer Canada and its Walk and that September, they attended the event in Barrie, Ontario. They haven’t missed a Walk since.
Amanda also spearheaded what has become an annual event in Drayton called Zeal for Teal – a day of scrapbooking and crafting, ovarian cancer awareness and fundraising. The 2014 Zeal for Teal, which grew from a small event at their local church to a major community happening at the Drayton Arena, will be held for the sixth time this Saturday, April 26.
Since 2008, Glynis and Amanda, along with their families and friends, have raised more than $11,000 for Ovarian Cancer Canada through their Walk team, Zeal for Teal, jewellery sales and by donating a portion of the proceeds of Glynis’ books to the charity.
Glynis is also a volunteer presenter of Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Knowledge is Power public awareness and education program. “I was so lucky to have my ovarian cancer caught at an early stage, so I want to continue to help raise awareness about this disease. When I was going through my chemo, it broke my heart when I saw these young moms having chemo for ovarian cancer. I don’t want to see any child have to be raised without their mom.”
From her story to a fictional book for kids
Mrs. B Has Cancer
book cover
As a mother, grandmother and teacher, children are at the centre of Glynis’ world. When she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, her students had many fears and questions – and Glynis decided to address these in a book that was originally planned as a work of non-fiction. Over time, she changed it to a work of fiction that is roughly based on her story, but with some added twists and turns. Mrs. B. Has Cancer was published late last summer by Glynis’ own Angel Hope Publishing.
The story focuses on Tristan, a young boy who is “a compilation of all my students,” says Glynis. Tristan learns all about the tests his tutor has to go through and starts thinking the worst. Soon he gets an idea. Why not surprise Mrs. B. with a Cancel Cancer Party?
The book is aimed at children ages 8 to 12. “It was born out of a myriad of questions my own students were asking, especially ‘Are you going to die?’ Children equate cancer with death. I want to show children that while some people do die from cancer, a lot of people don’t. Mrs. B. didn’t die in the end but there is no indication of what her prognosis is. Children need to know that when someone in their lives has cancer, there are things they can do and they can be appreciated too. That’s my goal for this book.”
Feedback on the book has been very positive. “I love it when I get reactions from children because they are my audience,” says Glynis.
"I’m making a difference I hope"
The author is a contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul anthology series including Angels Among Us and From Lemons to Lemonade. Her story On Being Still and Knowing is also part of the Canadian anthology A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider. Glynis writes devotions, articles, short stories and blog posts on her cancer journey, and is a columnist for a writer’s magazine.
Why does Glynis focus so much time on her volunteer work for Ovarian Cancer Canada and on getting the awareness message out through her many activities and writing?
“It means that in my own little corner of the world, I’m making a difference I hope,” she says. “I’m only one tiny speck but if all the tiny specks do something, we can make a big difference.”