Kevin Rempel's Story

As we begin our Holiday Season, I reflect back on the years and the individuals who I have met in my journeys as Executive Director of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) Ontario.

There is one young man who truly inspired me. I would like to share his journey with you.

We all experience adversities and challenges in our lives. Kevin is no exception. The difference however is what Kevin has done to overcome the adversities he has faced.

At the age of 20, on his first hunting trip with his Dad, Gerry, Kevin couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw his dad fall to the ground from his tree stand.  His Dad sustained a spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegia. 

It was an emotional time for the family, trying to come to terms with the affects a spinal cord injury has on a person’s life.  Kevin’s Dad, Gerry, was having great difficulties accepting his new life. 

At this time, CPA Ontario was introduced to the family. Through CPA Ontario’s support, the family obtained grants for home modifications and for required equipment and supplies.

Feeling his Dad’s everyday frustrations with his new disability, Kevin needed an outlet. He pursued his passion of freestyle motocross, and began making amazing strides in this dangerous sport.  He had a vision to become a professional rider but Kevin’s Dad had a vision that Kevin would be hurt.  Gerry wanted Kevin to stop.

Kevin kept riding more and getting ready for competitions.  Then, at 23 years of age while before his next big event, Kevin’s first jump of the day went terribly wrong - he hit the jump and knew that he had to flee from the bike. Falling over 75 feet in distance – his back and his dream was shattered. 

Shirley, Kevin’s Mom, now had both her husband and son using wheelchairs.

During rehab, Kevin met CPA Ontario again, this time for himself.  Peer support volunteers met with him to provide information and support so that when he arrived to his already accessible home, the transition was easier.

 “CPA Ontario has helped me in ways such as putting me in touch with the right people who supported me throughout my recovery. They provide lots of information when I need it, and are

great advocates for people with an SCI.  They’ve connected me with the people I need, so I can continue to live a fulfilling life,” Kevin says.

A little over two years after sustaining his injury, Kevin sought out a new passion that was to change his life. Kevin began playing sledge hockey and instantly fell in love with the sport.

“It is the freedom when I play. I don’t feel the pain or muscle spasms.  When I am on my sled I am in my world,” says Kevin enthusiastically. 

Kevin channeled his energies into his love of sledge hockey and set his goals on competing.  Today, he has made it on the Canadian Sledge Hockey Team.  Kevin’s mom, Shirley, screamed into the phone when he called to tell her the news.  She was jumping up and down in happiness for him, so proud of her son and his accomplishments.  What more could a mother wish for?

After winning Gold at the 2010 World Sledge Hockey Challenge, the team will compete in Calgary for the same medal this November. Looking into the season they will stop in Japan, USA, and cap it off with the World Championships in Norway. For more information and to follow his team’s progress visit: www.kevinrempel.com.

Kevin plans to play in the 2014 Olympics in Russia and bring home the  Gold for Canada.  Until then he practises and he travels delivering speeches to inspire individuals to pursue what they want in life.  He has attended many CPA Ontario events, giving back to others what he has gained. 

The Team Canada Sledge Hockey forward has had so many trials in his young life but he shares this lesson – “don’t give up – no matter how hard things are – don’t accept no for an answer,”  says Kevin.

With such an incredible journey, Kevin has overcome adversity. It’s no wonder he is seen as a positive role model.

With my best wishes for a peaceful and healthy Holiday Season,

Sincerely,

Bill Adair

Executive Director