Steven’s Story

Steven Csorba was born in Edmonton in 1964.

He is an artist, a community builder, wellness advocate (and cancer survivor) who projects the drive and depth of a person who knows life is precious. There is a focus in every waking moment, a kind of deep-truth view that gives cruisers-through-life pause for thought.

In 2003, he challenged the conventional approaches to cancer survivorship. In fact his goal was not to beat cancer – but instead he focused on helping others and did so in the biggest way he could. To cope with numerous surgeries, radiation treatments and a disruptive ten-year battle and rehabilitative process, he developed PEPY, a ruthlessly simple and powerful “me-to-we” belief system of giving back, self-improvement, and inspiring others.

As a measure to improve the quality of his mental and physical health, he took a risk. Steven used Arts in Medicine Therapy as an alternative to traditional pain medication and trained like an Olympic athlete to elevate his immune function. And it paid off. Pre-habilatative medicine, that Steven started doing over 15 years ago, is now standard protocol for leading cancer care clinics worldwide.

From 2013 to 2015, Steven helped lead a remarkable community effort at iHuman, bringing together corporate sponsors, volunteers and community partners to help create a safe place where vulnerable and traumatized young people could begin to rebuild their lives through creativity, connection and community.

As a dedicated savvy do-gooder, Steven has also donated his art, time and energy to a wide range of charitable causes. For him, the real measure of that work has never been the money raised, but the people brought together, the lives touched, and the opportunity to be in someone’s corner when it matters.

Prior to his cancer battle, Steven was an award-winning brand communication strategist and passionate public speaker. His visionary work for clients including Industry Canada, Xerox, Apple, the Department of National Defence and the Government of Alberta was recognized by the Smithsonian Institute for innovation in risk-managed digital brand building.