As one of more than 200 Foundation volunteers, Patrick Bélec shares his compassionate spirit and inspiring voice with people around the world. Patrick Bélec’s life centres around people.

Not only does he provide life-saving care as a nurse in the intensive care unit at Health Sciences North in Greater Sudbury, he also offers compassionate and wise support and counsel as a dedicated volunteer with the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada (BTFC).

Growing up in northern Ontario, Bélec took advantage of all the bounties the region has to offer—especially the lakes and waterways. That led to a parttime job as a lifeguard, which in turn ignited an interest in nursing. Following his high school graduation, Bélec packed up his life to pursue a French Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Laurentian University. That’s when Bélec’s life turned down an unexpected path.

During the second month of his university studies, Bélec was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma—a rare, slowgrowing, non-malignant brain tumour. This began an extensive process that included three surgeries, 30 radiation treatments, countless appointments and a whole lot of grit and determination.

“I’m able to offer a unique point of view and provide more information on things like our health-care system and the functions within the hospital, and help people sort through their questions and frustrations.” – Patrick Bélec

Soon Bélec would discover BTFC, where he found new strength in the connections he made and the support he received.

“I’ve met absolutely wonderful people that I would not have met if I didn’t have my brain tumour,” he explained. So wonderful that he decided to become a volunteer with the organization and since 2019, has served as a Convenor for the Sudbury Support Group.

Bélec says that volunteering has been incredibly rewarding. His lived experience and nursing background offers a unique combination of experiences, knowledge and perspectives that help support group members.

“I’m able to offer a unique point of view and provide more information on things like our health-care system, the functions within the hospital, and help people sort through their questions and frustrations,” he says.

When Bélec isn’t caring for patients and supporting members of the brain tumour community, he can be found lecturing at Northern Ontario School of Medicine University as a clinical lecturer and preparing for his monthly segments as a columnist for CBC Radio-Canada.

He’s also had the opportunity to make several presentations locally at the Northern MedTalks, nationally with the Canadian Association of Neuroscience Nurses and internationally going to Darwin, Australia in July 2025 for the World Federation of Neuroscience Nurses Quadrennial Congress (watch Patrick’s presentation “It’s All in Your Head – A Journey Both Sides of the Stethoscope with Kevin”). There he shared his own patient experiences highlighting valuable insights for neuroscience health-care providers and members of the public.

During the past few years, Bélec has become an inspiring voice for the brain tumour community. His advocacy and long-standing, compassionate contributions were recognized, when he received the 2024 Volunteer of Distinction Advocacy Award.

“A brain tumour is never something you expect. However, you don’t know what life is going to bring you! Good can come from this life-changing diagnosis, maybe not immediately, but eventually.” he says. “If you’re willing to accept the lack of control that comes with life’s challenges, it’s already a battle you’ve won.”

Bélec’s grateful to those who have supported him, including those who give so generously to the programs and services that touch the lives of people across Canada. “I hope every donor knows the impact they have on our community.