It's Not Just 20K

10/21/2026

Day 2 of Forum 2026 finished, and I have almost found everyone I was looking for.

Today was networking with the expo booth folks to see what new (or old) service providers are offering these days.

So many great folks to talk to that I only made it through half of them, so hopefully there will still be most until noon.

I also made it to the research summary posters area, so I am including some of the ones I found interesting.

The rest of the day was a new session format for the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research a "theme session". There was five presenters on the same subject (I picked TBIs), followed by a Panel Q&A with all the presenters present.
Excellent idea, loved it!

Then there was an evening event for networking that was the best one ever...at the Discovery Centre.
With a planetarium show!!
(Don't worry, another level had a live band for the dance crowd, and no, I don't think Isis wanted to dance).

Another fine day in Halifax, and it even warmed up in the sunshine...heavy rain on the forecast for Day 3.

10/20/2026

Money is something, but it is not everything.

10/20/2026

Day 1 of CIMVHR Forum done with the usual flurry of navigating where & which room your next session is.

However, the wonderful folks at the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research always have everything organized efficiently so even that is easy to navigate.

Today I attended sessions that provided lots of great insight into traumatic brain injuries, and updates of what research is ongoing in reference to military sexual trauma.

It is always heartening to see and meet LOTS of researchers, clinicians, and service providers that are all sincerely interested in developing or providing health resources for serving or retired CAF, RCMP, and First Responder folks and their families.

SD Isis has been providing her usual excellent standard of behaviour with so many people (and food) around.
She made me extra proud this afternoon when she maintained her service dog "working mode" and did not react to another dog that kept growling at her during some sessions.
I am blessed by her natural affinity for focussed service tasking.

We wrapped up the evening with fine food and great company.

Goodnight ✨

10/19/2026

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10/19/2026

Started off bright and early this morning with a brainstorming session on ideas towards improving military and first responder health & wellness service delivery.

Then we had a great Opening Plenary with hope inspiring speeches from the Minister of VAC, and research data on an innovative Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) treatment.

As someone that suffered a debilitating concussion in 2022, it was validating to see data that demonstrates having PTSD and a TBI not only changes recovery, but also the treatment approach.

10/19/2026

I always put money aside to enjoy the CIMVHR Forum annually as it is an excellent venue to learn about new and evolving research in military Veteran health & wellness, and connect with academics and clinicians on engaging with the Veteran community.

Safely arrived in Halifax and we are off to learn and connect and collect to improve my volunteer advocacy efforts in Veteran health, wellness, and healing. 🍁

The Opening Plenary is underway at 2026.

We’re pleased to welcome back The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada and Associate Minister of Department of National Defence. Minister McKnight joined us at CIMVHR Forum 2025 in Ottawa, and is with us again as we officially open this year’s CIMVHR Forum in Halifax.

This morning’s program includes a keynote presentation from Dr. Carrie Esopenko, followed by the announcement of the recipients of The Legion National Foundation - La Fondation nationale de la Légion Masters Scholarship and The Royal Canadian Legion - National Headquarters Doctoral Scholarship in Military and Veteran Health Research.

We’re looking forward to three days of research, learning, and connection as researchers, military personnel, Veterans, public safety personnel, families, and partners come together at CIMVHR Forum 2026.

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La séance plénière d’ouverture est en cours au 2026.

Nous nous réjouissons d’accueillir de nouveau l’honorable Jill McKnight, ministre d'Anciens Combattants Canada et ministre associée de la Défense nationale. La ministre McKnight s’est jointe à nous au Forum ICRSMV 2025 à Ottawa et elle est de nouveau parmi nous pour l’ouverture officielle du Forum ICRSMV 2026 à Halifax.

Le programme de ce matin comprend une présentation principale de Carrie Esopenko, PhD, suivie de l’annonce des bénéficiaires de la bourse de maîtrise de La Fondation nationale de la Légion et de la bourse de doctorat de la Légion royale canadienne.

Nous nous réjouissons de ces trois journées de recherche, d’apprentissage et d’échanges, alors que des chercheuses et chercheurs, des membres du personnel militaire, des vétéranes et vétérans, du personnel de la sécurité publique, des proches et des partenaires se réunissent au Forum ICRSMV 2026.

10/19/2026

No words, just many thoughts. 😞

Love and compassion being sent to CFB Wainwright in Alberta this evening. 🇨🇦❤️

10/15/2026

Some people may be just holding on to their capacity to function, so the only way to "handle" something may be putting it aside in a "brain queue" as I call it.
Grace & kindness always wins.

10/12/2026

These two have saved my life in the darkest decade of my life, and for that I am thankful.

I hope you have people, places, pets, memories, or moments that get you through your darker days.