Imagine if you woke up one day and you couldn’t wiggle your toes…
Kevin Brooks knows all too well the horror of one day waking up to learn that life has been changed forever…
What started as a typical booze fueled Saturday night for the skateboarding, snowboarding, hockey playing, and self proclaimed Creature quickly turned tragic with a poor choice. Kevin left a party, intoxicated and driving in excessive speeds. He was not alone. Beside him sat his passenger and childhood hockey friend Brendon.
The result - a horrific crash… Brendon did not walk away from the crash. Neither did Kevin.
Kevin awoke weeks later to a nightmare that was all too real. His dreams were crushed upon learning the details of the crash while lying motionless, broken and frail in a hospital bed. Faced with the greatest challenge of his life, Kevin considered giving up. But a greater voice told him that he had to live.
Kevin has not let his paralysis be an end, but rather a new beginning in life. “Life is not so much about what happened, but more about what happens next,” is a motto that Kevin lives by. Telling his story is what happens next for Kevin. And what a story he tells…
Today, Kevin tells his life changing story to audiences of all ages and sizes across North America.
Kevin’s story has reached nearly half a million people in well over 1000 high schools and community sponsored events. Kevin has been the keynote speaker at numerous Provincial, State and National conferences, including P.A.R.T.Y. Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth, SADD Students Against Destructive Decisions, CYAID Canadian Youth Against Impaired Driving and many others. In 2007 he appeared on the Tyra Show episode “Teens on the Edge: A Wake Up Call.”
Kevin’s greatest attribute as a speaker is that people relate to him. His story is told in a very honest and straightforward manner. He doesn’t hold back. Kevin tells it like it is, as only he can. Having beaten the odds and survived to tell his story, Kevin can talk the talk about no longer being able to walk the walk. But just because Kevin can no longer stand, does not mean he cannot stand for something.
Kevin’s story is more than just an example of the potential consequences of dangerous driving and other destructive decisions when getting into motor vehicles. Having lost dear friends to both violence and suicide in recent years, Kevin’s story has evolved and now includes such important teen issues as depression, suicide & self harming; violence & bullying, and many other important issues teenagers face in their day to day lives.
Kevin’s will to fight and never give up have inspired many to face their own challenges in life with new confidence and strength. His positive outlook on life has motivated thousands to appreciate life in a profound new way. And Kevin’s keen knack for telling a personal story impacts audiences like none other.
One minute he will have you laughing… The next minute he will have you crying… And by the end Kevin will have you so moved that you can say that your life has been forever changed from hearing his story…
You will wiggle your toes, and You will remember Kevin’s story.
“I remember when you came to my school .. I wiggled my toes.. and I do it about 12 times a day now rofl! thanks Kev”
- Brandon Shredhed Vader Reichardt, Student, 100 Mile House, British Columbia
“Kevin, I work at ******* High School. I work with many kids with emotional disturbances of some form or another. I had to relay my appreciation for your time and presentation.
I held the doors as students exited, and I saw so many moved faces (with and without tears). I have seen the same group of kids sit through other presentations, but not nearly as interested or involved. I’ve talked to a few students who said they emailed you about bullying. One student in particular has been having trouble staying in class. Today she stayed in class and toughed it out, I was surprised and delighted. I think she felt good about it too. Thank you for whatever you did to help her realize she’s NOT the problem. I don’t need a response, I know you’re busy. I just wanted to let you know that you have made a difference in at least one student’s life in as little as one day. You truly have a gift, thanks for sharing it.”
- Jen Teacher, Burlington, Vermont
“Hi Kevin, Thanks so much for taking the time to visit both Glenboro and Baldur Schools. The presentation the students heard today was unreal and well received. A lot made the comment to me that this was the best presentation they have ever seen, especially on such a touchy subject as drinking and driving. You really touched a lot of people today!!! Both schools are now starting T.A.D.D. (Tennagers Against Destructive Decisions) groups. Thanks again for your inspiring words!”
- Tammy Billingall Guidance & Counsellor / CTS Glenboro & Baldur Schools, Manitoba
“Kevin, wow. I am sooo grateful that I had the opportunity to hear you speak at Salpointe! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing, inspirational story to all of us. You’re truly my hero! You’re such an amazing person 
and hilarious too by the way. thanks again and god bless. :)”
- Mary Aguilar, Student, Tucson, Arizona
- Becky S, Student, Langley, British Columbia