Resilience Rewired Conference Highlights Personal Triumphs

A significant event focusing on personal resilience will take place on October 24, 2023, at the Keystone Centre in Manitoba. The one-day Resilience Rewired conference aims to empower attendees through inspirational talks and discussions surrounding mental health, technology, and the human spirit. Among the featured speakers is Chance Toder, whose remarkable journey of overcoming severe health challenges is set to inspire many.

At just ten months old, Toder faced life-threatening circumstances, requiring open heart surgery. A subsequent operation at the age of eleven resulted in a stroke, leaving him in a coma. His mother, Jolene Toder, recalled the uncertainty surrounding his condition, stating, “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.” Despite these challenges, Toder emerged with a powerful message of hope, which he will share at the conference.

Toder expressed his desire to convey that a disability should not hinder one’s aspirations. “I just want to show that having a disability doesn’t push you down; it drives you up,” he stated. Motivated by his experiences, Toder aims to inspire others by highlighting that a fulfilling life is attainable, regardless of physical limitations.

The conference will also feature Val Caldwell, an online safety expert, who will address the mental health challenges children face in today’s technology-driven world. Caldwell points out the importance of setting boundaries for device usage, particularly in private spaces. “Don’t allow kids to take devices to private spaces, including their bedrooms,” she advises, emphasizing the need for adults to model healthy habits. Caldwell’s insights come in response to alarming trends observed among students, including late-night device usage that interferes with sleep.

The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Jody Carrington, a clinical psychologist who has focused her career on understanding emotional well-being. Carrington highlights a concerning shift in societal health, noting, “For the first time in history, we’re dying faster from emotional illness than we are from physical illness.” She points to the overwhelming influence of technology in exacerbating issues related to anxiety and depression.

Carrington’s presentation will explore how to navigate the complexities of modern connectivity. She emphasizes the need for human interaction and the importance of stepping away from screens to foster genuine connections. “Nobody’s going to remember what I say on that stage, but they will remember when they saw their best friend’s mom who they haven’t seen in weeks, months, or years,” she remarked.

The Resilience Rewired conference is set to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are priced at $80 plus fees, providing access to a day filled with motivational insights and strategies for enhancing personal resilience. For more information, attendees can contact the Keystone Centre box office at 204-726-3500.

As the community gathers to share and learn from these powerful narratives, the Resilience Rewired conference promises a day of inspiration and practical advice aimed at building strength in the face of adversity.