A leading motivational speaker and road safety presenter, Kevin’s life-changing moment came when he was involved in a car accident that resulted in him being confined to a wheelchair. He suffered from many uncertainties and felt directionless in life. All this changed one day when Kevin made the excellent choice to start truly living his life by overcoming his obstacles. Today he is empowering others through community events and conferences where he speaks to audiences like US Army troops and high and middle schools about road safety and perseverance. Kevin has been featured on the Tyra Banks show as well as in a Reebok campaign and also an inspirational music video.

What was the toughest phase after you met with an accident? Whose support was instrumental for you during that phase?K: The initial part from when I woke up in ICU strapped down to a bed with tubes coming out of everywhere including a tracheotomy which prevented me from speaking was very difficult both emotionally and physically. I learned in this time that I had been paralyzed and that my friend had passed away in the car crash which was beyond devastating. Then on top of that everyday I had what seemed like insurmountable tasks like intermittently going off the trach and learning to breathe or catscans and MRIs that were terrifying because I had a lung infection that had to be drained regularly by the nurses. I had a system where I would clap to get the nurses attention since I had no voice. But when they put me in the cat scan and MRI they had to strap down my shoulders as I had done a ton of damage to them in the crash. I remember laying in those machines with no voice, my arms strapped down feeling my lungs fill with fluid not knowing if I would drown before I got out. There was so much going on in those early days. Those were the most difficult times of my life.

Can you tell us about your efforts to promote safe driving?K: Being that I was driving and a partner who took risks it dawned on me that maybe I had a message for young people like myself. Fortunately through a series of events like meeting Rick Hansen who encouraged me to do a fundraiser which turned into an event where I swam across a lake and then got invited to speak in a school I got in the door to begin my public soeaking journey. That was probably 17 years ago and since then I have spoken all over Canada and the USA sharing a message of safe driving but ultimately a message on the importance of making wise choices in all aspects of life. My presentation started with a prevention message and has grown into a multi-message story that includes such topics as positive mental attitude, suicide preventionn and mental health, dealing with grief and overcoming obstacles... too many messages to list really.

What message do you like to convey via your public speaking events?K: I think I just answered this above. But I will add that I like to think of my presentation like a song. The words of my presentation are like the lyrics to a song. They are open to interpretation. I am happy no matter what someone who saw me speak takes away from it so long as it is a posituve message.

Who is your inspiration?K: My inspiration is my family who has had my back since day one. Also the thousands of young people I have met in my journey as a speaker who gives me their time and attention and also often shares their own personal stories of pain, tragedy and perseverance. The many youths who write to me. This is why I keep going out and traveling and speaking and the feedback I get has helped me get through tough times along the road and I spired me to keep going. 

What are your other hobbies?K: I started doing comedy a little over 4 years ago. I like to say I am a "Can't Stand Up Comedian" It's a fun way to get out and perform without having the heaviness that comes with my presentations. Not that I don't love public speaking. That will always be my greatest love. I also love to cook. I've been cooking vegan for 5 years now. I try to get out on my hand cycle whenever I can for fresh air and exercise. This summer I really got into downhill biking with the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program. I absolutely LOVE that! The adrenaline rush and speed and fact that I can be out in nature in places I would never even attempt to get to in my wheelchair.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?K: My favourite place to visit is South Beach, Miami. I loves many things about the area. It's flat for starters and thus easy to get around. The warm weather and tropical scenery are incredible. I have found regular spots like Full Bloom Vegan Restaurant and The Albion Hotel where I have gained regular status and made friendships with staff that I value. It's raining in Vancouver right now. I so wish I was in Miami!!

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?K: My family are always there to go on am adventure with. And they sometimes push me out of my confort zone or out of a funk to do things that bring me reward. For example this past summer my mom and sister Hayley took me out to trails near Allouet Lake. I had my regular handcycle and the place was crowded and we didn't know the terrain. I was in a mood where I just wasn't feeling it but my fam encouraged me to stay. An hour later and with some help getting up gravel hills I was hanging out at a waterfall feeling so happy with what I had accomplished. That would be an example from my experience. So I guess just to be there through the good and bad.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to overcome obstacles?K: It's important to set goals for yourself on a regular basis. Things you want to learn or achieve. Take things one day and one push/ step at a time. Don't get discouraged if you don't figure something out immediately. Rather just keep at it and eventually you will find your way.

Any special message for our community?K: Life is less about what happened and more about what happens next. We cannot go back in time but the future ahead is what we make of it. What you make of it. Why not make it great? That is a choice you have in yourself to make. Thanks for reading. For further inspiration or to possibly book me to speak at an event please check me out on Instagram @justwiggleyourtoes as well as my book Just Wiggle Your Toes on Amazon.