A Life Defined by a Fighting Spirit
Story by Paula Just
Photography by Dan Borrelli
At just 25 years old, Belinda Borrelli heard words that would change her life forever: “You have cancer.” It was Hodgkin’s lymphoma, her first severe health crisis, but not her last. Over the following decades, she faced multiple cancer diagnoses along with severe heart complications that tested her body and spirit to their limits. Through it all, she chose not only to survive but to live with a purpose and meaning that inspired everyone around her. “My fear of missing out motivated me to get through my health hurdles,” she says. “In my relentless way, I still had so much to do and too much to see to let my journey end.”
Today, at 63, she is quite healthy and her journey has been transformed into a book, named Fighting Spirit, which was recently released. The memoir, available online on all platforms, is not merely a recounting of medical battles but an illustration of how her mindset helped her through even the darkest times. It also offers an intimate portrait of a retired teacher from Windsor, Ontario, who, despite countless challenges, has built a life rich with travel, deep family bonds and a commitment to staying active and being grateful.
Belinda’s first diagnosis in her twenties took her completely by surprise. Newly married to her husband, Dan, they were planning to have children. “My diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma caught me completely off guard as I faced the word ‘cancer’ for the first time,” she recalls. “After overcoming the shock and disbelief, I quickly learned how life can change right before your eyes and how vulnerable we are. However, the diagnosis deepened my long-held values of staying positive, having hope and of enjoying and embracing life fully.”
After a challenging treatment and recovery, she refocused on her family and teaching. Although doctors initially believed it may be difficult to have children, she defied the odds and welcomed her daughter Jenna and later, her son Justin. Everything had been going very well until Belinda faced bad news once again. Shortly after retiring, she received two more diagnoses: breast cancer and, soon after, melanoma. She underwent two surgeries and managed to recover.
But it was only two years ago that she encountered what she describes as the most emotionally challenging chapter of her story: a serious cardiac condition requiring high-risk open-heart surgery. The procedure, complicated by extenuating issues, tested her strength in new ways. “Not only was the lead-up to surgery stressful, but the operation itself involved significantly high-risk factors.” Yet, surrounded by the unwavering support of her husband, children and their spouses, she once again summoned her resilience, proving that courage does not fade with time, it deepens. Again, she impressed her family by recovering with great patience and bravery.
When asked what kept her motivated during the hardest times, Belinda doesn’t hesitate. “My mom, my children and especially my husband played a huge role. They were my driving force, keeping me focused and determined to face each obstacle. I knew I had to fight for myself, but without a doubt, I had to do it for my family. Their unwavering love and support have not only strengthened my will to survive but also reinforced a life filled with hope and optimism.” Married more than 40 years, the bond between Belinda and her husband runs deep. “Dan has been my anchor throughout this journey. He has stood by me, lifting me when I was down and being the light in my darkest hours.”
She is also grateful for the compassion of the healthcare team, those who treated her as a person, not just a patient. Belinda fondly remembers her cardiac surgeon, Dr. Michael Chu, who once complimented her on the ladybug pyjamas she wore on one of his hospital rounds. She also recalls Dr. Gaetano DeRose, whose gentle tap on her shoulder before surgery and consoling words to her husband during her recovery eased their fears. These small gestures, while simple in action, had a huge impact and became a foundation of her strength. Her relationship with the doctors is so special that the idea of writing a book came from one of her cardiologists, Dr. Rodrigo Bagur.
“Impressed with my mindset, he encouraged me to share my story to bring hope and inspiration to others.” Days later, as she emerged from the fog of surgery, he mentioned the book again. Then, Dr. Bagur became a key inspiration for Fighting Spirit, convinced that her experiences could help many. In just over one year, the book was ready. The profits from the book sales will be donated to The Cancer Society and Heart & Stroke Foundation.
In her writing, the author distills decades of lessons into a few guiding principles.”It’s not so much what life deals you but how you deal with it.” I would summarize the ‘how’ as: have hope, allow yourself to be inspired and look deep within to uncover your inner strength,” she observes.
Belinda’s story is about far more than medical challenges. She is a retired business and cooperative education teacher, a former track athlete who competed in the All-Ontario Championships and a volunteer for health causes. One of her family’s favourite pastimes is travelling, from exploring Canada’s landscapes to discovering new cafés worldwide. They have visited nearly every Canadian province, many U.S. states, countries across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean and other destinations.
“I have always enjoyed going out with friends and family, cooking, baking and regular exercise,” she says. “Recently, I have discovered new interests that are mindful, therapeutic and healing. Yoga and meditation have played an invaluable role in improving my physical and mental well-being, helping me maintain a positive mindset.” She also lovingly cares for her aging mother, who has memory loss.
If she could speak directly to someone facing a serious diagnosis of themselves or a loved one, her advice is both practical and deeply human: “Firstly, listen to what they have to say, they’re suffering and their shock, disbelief and fear need to be heard. Secondly, let them know you are truly there for them. Help them find interest in things they enjoy and that give them purpose and meaning. Thirdly, offer strategies that have worked for you, like yoga, meditation and expressions of gratitude. Lastly, encourage them to spend time with people who exude positivity and optimism.”
To her, a fighting spirit means that beneath shock and fear, a will, hope and desire arise to face and endure what lies ahead despite the odds. “You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you react. That’s what a fighting spirit is all about.”
Published in the Autumn 2025 Edition.
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