Resilience Rewired Conference Highlights Inspiring Stories on Oct. 24

The upcoming Resilience Rewired conference on October 24, 2023, at the Keystone Centre in Manitoba promises to be a significant event focusing on themes of resilience, mental health, and technology’s impact on society. Among the presenters is Chance Toder, a Westman resident whose life experiences exemplify the power of perseverance.

At just ten months old, Toder faced a life-threatening situation requiring open-heart surgery. Eleven years later, a second surgery led to complications, including a stroke that left him in a coma. His mother, Jolene Toder, recalls the overwhelming uncertainty during this time. “When Chance went into a coma, he remained there for a very, very long time. And when he came out, he couldn’t walk or talk or even hold his head up,” she said. “I am in awe of how far he’s come.”

Sharing His Journey of Overcoming Adversity

Toder’s journey from a near-fatal medical condition to becoming a motivational speaker is a testament to resilience. He aims to inspire others by sharing his story at the conference. “I just want to show that having a disability doesn’t push you down, it drives you up,” he stated in a recent interview. “You can have a somewhat normal life; it just looks a little different.”

Encouraged by family friend and online safety expert, Val Caldwell, Toder hopes to motivate individuals facing challenges. Caldwell will also present at the conference, discussing mental health issues linked to technology use among children and offering strategies for parents.

“Don’t allow kids to take devices to private spaces, including their bedrooms. Have rules in place,” Caldwell advised. She highlighted the negative impacts of technology on young people’s mental health, noting that even with restrictions in schools, many children still engage in late-night device use.

Addressing the Disconnect in a Connected World

The keynote speaker for the event, Dr. Jody Carrington, a clinical psychologist from Alberta, will delve into the broader implications of technology on emotional well-being. “For the first time in history, we’re dying faster from emotional illness than we are from physical illness,” she remarked. Carrington argues that while technology connects us, it also fosters a significant disconnect in personal relationships.

She points to the overwhelming presence of devices as a contributing factor to rising anxiety and depression rates. “We can’t address what we don’t acknowledge. So, unpacking all of that means we have to reverse-engineer that and realize how we got here,” Carrington explained. She suggests that understanding the influence of major tech companies can help individuals take actionable steps towards disconnection.

The Resilience Rewired conference is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and tickets are priced at $80 plus fees. For more information, interested attendees can contact the Keystone Centre box office at 204-726-3500.

This event aims not only to provide valuable insights into resilience and mental health but also to foster a community dialogue around the impact of technology on everyday life. As Toder prepares to share his story, the conference serves as a platform for many voices to be heard, encouraging attendees to rethink their relationship with technology and resilience.