Kevin Weilacher is an Airforce veteran turned warrior for those afflicted by transverse myelitis. He is the founder of the largest, global support group for this rare neurological disease.
Father, grandfather, and woodcarver, Kevin was suddenly and completely paralyzed from the waist down. Since then, he’s recovered from his paralysis, adapted to his disability and has learned to do new things. His woodcarving has taken flight from basement hobby to international craft business.
Tune into the third episode of Sick Biz Buzz and learn how you can apply Kevin’s triumphant attitude to transform your life.
His five takeaways:
1. Make the best of what you have.
“You’ve got to make the best of what you’ve got. I’m always knocking on wood that I’m still here and walking on this earth.” Kevin’s appreciation for the joys in his life is palpable as he talks about the difference between his life before onset and after. If you are struggling with accepting a new reality, you will especially want to listen to what Kevin has to say on this episode of the Sick Biz Buzz.
2. Stay as active as you can to dull the focus of your pain.
As the head of the largest global Facebook group for transverse myelitis, Kevin continually tells people who are stuck in a more negative mindset that they need to discover things they enjoy doing. Believe it or not, sometimes the quality of your life improves even after devastation. Listen and learn how to get back to doing what you love to do on episode three of the show.
3. Let a new interest find you.
After leading such an active life, Kevin spent some time completely lost as to what to do next after the onset of his illness. But he knew he had to find something to occupy his time—and possibly something he’d never considered before. One of the most important acts of self-love you can take is to be open to the possibilities that exist in your changing lifestyle. Kevin had to find a new path and he is happy to share what he did to move forward in his life.
4. Explain your disabilities to your children…and grandchildren (in Kevin’s case).
Kevin loves spending as much time as he can with his 4-year-old granddaughter, and he says the most important thing a parent or grandparent can do is to let the children in your life know what your disabilities are all about. When you do this, you will help kids to develop a greater understanding of inclusion and compassion as they get older. “[My granddaughter] understands I have issues getting around, but I try to make as much time as I possibly can to play with her,” Kevin says.
5. Do the things you can.
You are not a helpless human being. And you still do have gifts that you can share with the world. You have not lost everything. Even though you’re suffering through this disability and going through all this pain and everything else it doesn’t mean you can’t still be a member of society, that you can’t still contribute and enrich your life. Kevin tells us how vital it was to his recovery to learn this truth about himself on this week’s show.
Contact Kevin Weilacher at:
