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Stephen Hayward Alliston Herald

Ken Marrs is battling terminal cancer, but he didn't let that stop him from penning a series of books for children that he feels fill a gap in the market.

Cancer victim pens children's books

BY Stephen Hayward June 27, 2008 21:06

He isn't even supposed to be alive, yet in a tent full of people celebrating life, his smile is the biggest under the big top.

Ken Marrs is a survivor. In 2004 he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a terminal form of bone cancer, and given less than two years to live. However on Friday night at the 2008 Relay for Life he was full of energy, his presence with other survivors an inspiration to those who have battled the deadly disease.

After his diagnosis, Marrs was driven to complete a project he started 12 years ago with the birth of his son. Looking for books to share with his son, Marrs found that most were either overly simplistic or wide-ranging epics.

"There was nothing in the middle," he explained. He started writing stories about a character named Billy the Bungle Bug to read at bedtime.

Then in 2004, when Marrs and his wife welcomed a newborn daughter to the family, he decided started to think seriously about publishing the stories. "I don't remember anything before I was four," he said, "so I wanted to create something for them to remember me by - in case my time was cut short."

Working with Trafford publishing and illustrator Mike Motz, it took a further three years to complete the three-book series.

"I felt that the stories should be able to sell as a set," said Marrs. "I like children's books which have variety. These don't have to be read in sequence, but I feel they compliment each other well." The books are already selling well, through A Loft of Books in Alliston, as well as local bookstores in Orangeville and Barrie.

Marrs is deeply grateful for every day he has.

"Without the constant treatment advances, funded of course through the Canadian Cancer Society fundraising, who knows where I would be today."

In turn, the sales of his books are helping cancer research fundraising. "20 per cent of all sales profits are donated to the Canadian Cancer Society, perpetually," he said. "But during this relay, all profits are being donated directly."

The Alliston Relay for Life is obviously close to Marrs' heart, but it has also become a family affair - his father and wife are both instrumental in the event's organization.

"I can't say enough about this event. The love and support the community is amazing," he reflected. "I'm always overwhelmed by the gestures of support from friends and family alike."

Outside, where darkness was falling, hundreds of luminaries glowed around the Relay track. Among them were many dedicated to Marrs, and together they helped light the way just as Marrs' smile and energy brightens those around him.

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