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How to be resilient, Resilience, RESILIENT PEOPLE, conversations with resilient people, Janet Petruck Fanaki, inspiring stories

STORIES OF RESILIENCE

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"It's the regular people who have overcome major challenges & found a purpose from it who inspire me." 


maintain mental wellbeing during war in Ukraine

Dr. Myroslava Romach and Dr. Rostyslav Shemechko address ways to cope during the war in Ukraine. From a virtual seminar hosted by Ivan Franko Homes.

Sherrie Dunlevy

Grief Coach Sherrie Dunlevy on rediscovering joy after loss

Caitlin Starr

Caitlin Starr is more than her Type 1 Diabetes

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Caregiving expert Donna Thomson on fighting for caregiver rights & slowing down

Adam Fanaki

Choosing kindness as your legacy

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AIDS widow & advocate Susan Mintz on making lemonade out of lemons

Agnes Chen, Starlings Community, RESILIENT PEOPLE podcast, Janet Fanaki

Agnes Chen from Starlings Community on healing from childhood trauma

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Solo travelling through midlife with blogger Susan Heinrich

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Flesh-eating disease survivor Chris DT Gordon on gratitude

David A. Grant, The Brain Injury Hope Network, traumatic brain injury awareness, living with a TBI, Janet Fanaki, RESILIENT PEOPLE podcast

Brain injury survivor David A. Grant builds resilience in other survivors

Janette Fennell, Kids and Cars, vehicle safety advocate

In wake of her kidnapping, Janette Fennell creates Kids and Cars


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The Tempest Two

The Tempest Two teach us to push through comfort zones

Lindsay Walz

Bridge collapse survivor Lindsay Walz learns to live with PTSD

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Gaining a new mindset after extreme weight loss with Kyle White

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Welcome to season 2 of the RESILIENT PEOPLE podcast

Emily O'Brien, Comeback Snacks

Comeback Snack's Emily O'Brien gives back to help female inmates

Marnie Hill, Daddy's Blue  book

Author Marnie Hill teaches children about grief through a beautiful book


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Dietitian Ashley Koff

Dietitian Ashley Koff on building resilience through better nutrition

Sean Swarner

Climber and childhood cancer survivor Sean Swarner


Mother's Day, Mother's Day and grief, grief, child loss, widows, widowers, grieving moms

When you are missing a loved one on Mother's Day

Greeting cards in hues of pink, breakfast in bed and handmade paper creations done lovingly by little hands. These are some of the ways we honour moms on Mother’s Day.

As we look to celebrate them this weekend, many others are seeking ways to just get through it all.

​Mother’s Day, like other special occasions in the year, can be unbearable for those who are living with grief.
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Casey Palmer, #blackdadworries
Photo courtesy: Casey Palmer

Black dad worries blogger Casey Palmer

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Photo courtesy: Melissa Sheldrick

Grieving mom to patient safety advocate 

Doris Belland, Your Financial Launchpad, RESILIENT PEOPLE, women and money, getting women comfortable with their finances, Janet Fanaki
Photo courtesy: Doris Belland

Financial resilience with Doris Belland

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Photo courtesy: Dale Allen Berg

Stay-at-home dad life with Dale Allen Berg


How does a skirt made from rejection letters normalize failure? 

How do you deal with rejection? 

When defending her PhD dissertation, Dr. Caitlin Kirby wore a skirt made of her rejection letters that she received over the course of her schooling. It was to make a point to normalize  failure and rejection and to change our mindset about them.  
listen here
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Photo courtesy: Dr. Caitlin Kirby

Elly Gotz and his resilience in surviving the Holocaust and finding purpose for a happy life 

Elly Gotz is a Dachau concentration camp survivor whose heart was filled with hate when World War II ended.

At 93 years old, he continues to deliver speeches to students in schools and groups of all ages on the power of giving up hate.

Discover his journey to a better, happier life. 
listen here
Elly Gotz, Holocaust survivor, Toronto, RESILIENT PEOPLE, Janet Fanaki, RESILIENT PEOPLE podcast, giving up hate after the Holocaust

Coping with Valentine's Day and grief

This is about something I have been thinking about for a little while now. Anyone who is living with grief will be able to relate to it.

We’re a few days away from the biggest and most romantic day of the year — if you’re in a couple.
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Valentine’s Day.
listen here
TRANSCRIPT
Coping with Valentine's Day and grief, advice for widows and widowers, advice for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one, Janet Fanaki, RESILIENT PEOPLE

Dr. Jim Swan is living with brain cancer and fighting to help others with it

Jim Swan is a well-known cardiologist in Canada. In 2019, he lost his beloved twin brother George to a terminal brain cancer called glioblastoma (GBM). About a year later, Jim discovered that he has the same deadly disease.

​He turned this into a purpose to help others by establishing a $3 million fund to help find the genetic causes for GBM. He spoke with me about his brother, their bond, where he draws his resilience from as well as his new purpose.
​
listen here
Dr. Jim Swan, cardiologist, glioblastoma patient, RESILIENT PEOPLE, Janet Fanaki

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Elizabeth Verwey hit her mid 50s and gained a fearless attitude 

Elizabeth Verwey wants women to know that aging does not need to be scary.

​A self-described extrovert and natural social organizer, she found herself unexpectedly divorced in her mid-50s. 

She made a decision to see this stage of her life in a different way and took on a new quality - one of fearlessness. 
listen here
Elizabeth Verwey, RESILIENT PEOPLE, what makes people resilient?, Janet Fanaki

We Have Cancer's Lee Silverstein on living with gratitude

Lee Silverstein is 60 years old. He has battled 3 different types of cancer over his life.

He credits his wife Linda and the love they have for one another, but also A.G.E. (attitude, gratitude, exercise) as the key to his perseverance, longevity and positive mindset.

listen here
How to be resilient. A conversation with Lee Silverstein of We Have Cancer podcast and his wife Linda on living with the right attitude, gratitude and exercise is the key to resilience

Raising resilient kids with education expert Jane Kristoffy

​Jane Kristoffy is a well-known education consultant in the Toronto area. 

​She's a teacher who operates a thriving consulting business, consulting children and their parents along with other educators. Her aim is to ensure that students are reaching their full potential in their personal and academic goals.

​I spoke with Jane about what parents can do to teach their kids to launch and thrive in the real world. 
listen here
How to be resilient. Raising resilient kids with education expert Jane Kristoffy

Matthew Pullan & Running Through Cancer inspires people to do more than just run 

UK teen Matthew Pullan is an avid runner. This 18 year old started a blog to inspire others to run but it's turned into a way to motivate them to not take life for granted. 
listen here
How to be resilient. Matthew Pullan & Running Through Cancer inspires people to do more than just run

In his grief, Jason Fiorotto created The Tory Day Fund to bring comfort to cancer patients

When she was being treated for breast cancer, Jason Fiorotto and his wife came up with a plan to help other cancer patients. Hear his inspiring story of how his grief gave him a purpose to bring comfort to others. 
listen here
How to be resilient. Jason Fiorotto, The Tory Day Fund

​Morgan Frey on teaching others to notice the abilities of physically-challenged people

Avid knitter, baker, theatre stage manager and writer are just a few of the traits to describe Morgan Frey.

​She is also a triple amputee but doesn't let that get in the way of her passions. 
listen here
How to be resilient. Morgan Frey on teaching others to notice the abilities of physically-challenged people

​Terrence Rodriguez created REXpride and found a purpose in helping LGBTQ+ youth in Toronto

The LGBTQ+ youth of Toronto's Rexdale community have a safe place to meet and socialize, thanks to Terrence Rodriguez. He created a place that he wished had existed when he was younger and coming to terms with his own identity.
listen here
How to be resilient. Terrence Rodriguez created REXpride and found a purpose in helping LGBTQ+ youth in Toronto

How to be resilient. The resilience of the class of 2020

How this year's graduates are coping with quarantine and pandemic life

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​It's a year that will go down in history. The 2020 graduates are leaving Kindergarten, Grade 8, Grade 12 and their last year of post-grad without auditorium celebrations but socially distanced backyard and driveway parties.

Quarantine days.

But they aren't sad or mad about it. Instead they say, "If no one else is doing it how can I get upset about it?" They put things into perspective and deal with what's in front of them.

Job markets, the economy and environment are uncertain. Black Lives Matter has become a global movement. The class of 2020 is unwavering in their determination to mobilize.

They are optimistic for what's to come and not anxious about it.

A student council president was quoted as saying, "I'm hopeful for the future because I feel that society is changing in a positive way."

​They are a resilient group. And I'm looking forward to seeing what they do next.

A GTA foster homes agency helps children to build resilience

Since 1999, Carpe Diem Treatment Foster Homes has provided loving foster care to emotionally distressed children in the Greater Toronto Area.  

Tyler Greene tells us how foster homes help kids who are falling through the cracks and teaches them to be functioning members of society. ​
read more
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How to be resilient. Leanne Townsend on finding balance during COVID-19

Lawyer Leanne Townsend on finding work life balance during COVID-19


How to be resilient. Susan Mintz, how seniors can stay positive during COVID-19

Florida native Susan Mintz on COVID-19 and the impact on seniors


Susan Mintz and I reunited to talk about COVID-19 and how it's impacting the senior community she lives in. She talks about the similarities she sees in this pandemic and when her husband was diagnosed with HIV & AIDS. It's a talk filled with funny moments and insights into senior life.

A little bonus: Be sure to watch the outtake at the end.


watch the interview

3 students on coping through crisis


Caitlin Starr, Sam Fanaki and Isobel Fanaki are 3 students in Toronto.  I sat down with them to talk about their stresses and how they are managing a changing world.

How to be resilient. Cory Resilient on living life on the streets and maintaining resilience

Guest Contributor: Cory Resilient on being homeless and finding purpose

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How to be resilient. Kayla Moryoussef is a death doula and aims to educate people on planning a good death and how she does this with severe chronic health issues

Death Doula Kayla Moryoussef on living with chronic illness and helping others to die a good death

watch the interview here
How to be resilient. David A. Grant started The Brain Injury Hope Network to help himself and others find a community and build their resilience

David Grant created the Brain Injury Hope Network to build a community for himself and others

watch the interview here

Dawne McKay created Crash Support Network to fill a void after her own crash

How to be resilient. The Crash Support Network, Dawne McKay, helping survivors of motor vehicle crashes to connect with other survivors, RESILIENT PEOPLE, resilience, how to be resilient, Janet Petruck Fanaki, good news, inspiring stories
Read Dawne's story

How to be resilient. Dana Kyminas is a Massachusetts widow who honoured her late husband by creating an award for young students.

Massachusetts widow Dana Kyminas honours late husband with award for young students

Dana Kyminas of Peabody, Massachusetts lost her husband George when he was only 27 years old and they were expecting their first child. 

She shares the story of their love, being high school sweethearts, his resilience in living with a congenital heart defect since birth and how she continues to honour his legacy. 
watch the interview here

How to be resilient. Former Australian police officer Shaun O'Gorman on dealing with PTSD and finding resilience, RESILIENT PEOPLE

Former Australian officer Shaun O'Gorman on dealing with PTSD and helping men to open up

watch the interview here
How to be resilient. Marshalee Facey, RESILIENT PEOPLE

Guest contributor: Marshalee Facey opens her own school in Jamaica against all odds

Marshalee's story

City of Toronto Unveils First Resilience Strategy

Toronto is one of three Canadian cities chosen to be a part of a global 100 Resilient Cities initiative.  

The City of Toronto unveiled its first Resilience Strategy with a focus on two key areas of concern: climate change and social equity.

Read on to learn about the research findings. 
read more
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Nigel Adams, RESILIENT PEOPLE, The challenges faced by Indigenous men and how he is helping them to build resilience

Guest contributor: Nigel Adams on the challenges faced by Indigenous men and his mission to help

Nigel's story

Dawn Custode, RESILIENT PEOPLE,

"Do it now" says Dawn Custode in her final days living with colon cancer


​Dawn Custode passed away of colon cancer in May 2019. I had the opportunity to interview her in late April as she was living out her last days to the fullest.  

Since her diagnosis over two and a half years ago, she faced the disease with one idea in mind, "Do It Now".  It's the same message that she stressed to others.  

Here is a transcript of our telephone interview, along with the recording.

​
Dawn's story

Lisa Owen, Kristy Wieber, being women entrepreneurs and the resilience it takes to build a business

Entrepreneurs Lisa Owen and Kristy Wieber on maintaining resilience when building a business


​Kristy Wieber and Lisa Owen are the co-owners of Rent frock Repeat. 

In 2010, they changed the way women shop for formal occasions with a dress rental business. Now the pair is starting a new venture, a monthly subscription service for day-to-day wear.

Kristy and Lisa share their thoughts on going into business with a friend, staying determined and believing in yourself.
Lisa & Kristy's story

Shahzad, moved from war torn Afghanistan for a better life in Canada

Shahzad moved from war-torn Afghanistan to Toronto to start a new life

Shahzad's story

CONTRIBUTOR: Renowned dietitian Ashley Koff on the connection between nutrition and resilience

Ashley Koff RD is an internationally-renowned registered dietitian. She created The Better Nutrition, Simplified Program, a virtual tool kit that will help us achieve our optimal selves.   

Ashley has appeared on national television programs including The Doctor Oz show, speaks across the country and is an acclaimed author. She has written an article for RESILIENT PEOPLE on achieving resilience through better nutrition.  
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Luciana, NYC Housekeeper on the power of kindness

NYC Housekeeper Luciana on the power of kindness


​Luciana is a New York City hotel housekeeper. She left her home in the Dominican Republic as a journalist and built a new life for herself and children in the United States. 

She admits that not every guest is friendly to her but that doesn't stop her from appreciating the angels around her and continuing to deliver service with a smile.
read the story

Kayla Moryoussef, death doula

Do you know someone resilient? Contact me: info@resilientpeople.ca


Lauren Chiarello, ChiChiLifeNYC on beating cancer

Lauren Chiarello of ChiChiLifeNYC on beating cancer twice and finding purpose through fitness

John Yates, dancing lawyer watches his house burn but didn't miss a beat

Toronto's dancing lawyer watched his house burn but didn't miss a beat


Margaret Ng, fighting multi-generational brain tumours with the power of prayer

Margaret Ng is fighting multi-generational brain tumours with good nutrition, positivity & prayer

Lucinda Grange, stunt photographer on scaling buildings and bridges with no fear

Stunt photographer Lucinda Grange on scaling buildings and bridges with no fear


Margaret Harvey, Toronto woman launches Canada's first trauma support network after a hit and run cycling crash

Toronto woman launches Canada's first Trauma Support Network after a hit and run cycling crash