Toronto woman inspires others through RESILIENT PEOPLE website

In 2016 my husband was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a terminal form of brain cancer, says Janet. While watching patients go in and out of the cancer clinic, I wondered what makes a person still have positivity and bounce back from major challenges? So I began interviewing EXTRAordinary everyday people and sharing their stories and advice.

RESILIENT PEOPLE profiles individuals worldwide who are admired for their resilience and created something to help others be resilient too.

They find a purpose in negative experiences. Each individual I have spoken with has used their story as an opportunity to do something bigger. They made it a probortunity.

The site includes profiles from Canada, the United States, Europe and Australia and is a sense of community and inspiration everywhere.

From Susan Mintz who lost her husband to AIDS and continues to be a powerful voice for advocating safe sex; Elly Gotz, a Holocaust survivor who speaks to groups on the power of love over hate; and triple-amputee Morgan Frey who is a playwright, former dancer and avid knitter.

With the right support system around you, anyone can be resilient to life's twists and turns, says Janet. These events don't need to be the story, but they can be the platform to communicate a bigger message and demonstrate what you're capable of.

Suggestions for discussion

May is Brain Tumour Awareness month and my story begins with a brain tumour diagnosis
Turning something negative into a positive
The value of finding purpose
Ways to be resilient and characteristics of resilient people

Janet Fanaki is the founder of RESILIENT PEOPLE and The Adam Fanaki Brain Fund and RESILIENT t-shirts. She is a speaker, writer and mother of two from Toronto.