Introduction to Glenda Standeven
Michelle Rickaby, Manager
Published: January 28 2008

Two weeks before Glenda Standeven lost her leg to cancer on January 6, 1988, at the age of 32, she had a life altering dream that enabled her to embrace her disability with confidence and the ability to see beyond her physical limitations. She has shared her dream with audiences of all ages since her remarkable recovery from the bone cancer which took her entire right leg, including her hip and pelvis, twenty years ago.

When she married her husband, Rick Standeven, in 1982, she had no idea that five short years later she would be diagnosed with cancer. They celebrated their 25th anniversary in July, 2007, and for the past 24 years have been living in Chilliwack, BC, where they raised two wonderful sons. Their youngest son was born three years after losing her leg and the story of his miraculous birth is both inspiring and moving. The home video documenting the amazing pregnancy and birth of Andrew is available for presentations as well as purchase.

Glenda holds a degree in life and has many awards to her credit. She was named Chilliwack’s Woman of the Year in 2003 and is the recipient of the Rotary Club’s highest honour – the Paul Harris Fellows Award. In 2005 she received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award for her generous gift of time and talent for helping the people in her community. She has volunteered countless hours and belongs to such organizations as the Optimist Club, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Terry Fox Foundation. She is a well known speaker and devotes much of her time to School District 33’s Just Say No Program and promoting a smoke-free environment for children of all ages.

Glenda believes in “Celebrating What’s Right with the World” (a well-known presentation by photographer Dewitt Jones which Glenda promotes). She tends to focus on a person’s abilities rather than their disabilities to help them achieve their highest potential. Her unique and frank approach to living as a disabled person appeals to audiences of all ages and all walks of life. She weaves humour, compassion and empathy into her presentations and loves to surprise her audience with hands on demonstrations.

If you’re looking for a speaker who won’t put your audience to sleep, one with messages of hope, inspiration, and motivation, then Glenda Standeven is the speaker you’re searching for. With messages of living life to the fullest and focusing on the positive rather than the negative her presentations are much in demand. She is sure to both inspire and motivate audiences of all ages with her heartfelt messages of hope and encouragement.