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Overcoming Paralysis and Spinal Cord Injury With Resilience | Ken Kunken
Description
Ken Kunken shares his story of overcoming paralysis, spinal cord injury, disability, law, resilience, hope, and building a meaningful life.
In this episode of Overcome with Travis White, the conversation brings the topic into real life with honesty, practical insight, and a reminder that healing and growth are possible.
In this episode of Overcome: A Mental Health Podcast, host Travis White speaks with Ken Kunken — a lawyer, author, and lifelong advocate whose journey of overcoming paralysis redefines what’s possible.
At age 20, Ken broke his neck playing football at Cornell University, leaving him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Instead of giving up, he began the lifelong process of overcoming paralysis through determination, education, and purpose. Today, he’s a husband, father, and retired Assistant District Attorney who continues to inspire others to believe that resilience can rewrite any story.
What We Discussed
- How Ken began his journey of overcoming paralysis after his spinal cord injury
- The mental and emotional strength it took to rebuild his identity and self-worth
- How family, friends, and mindset became essential to overcoming paralysis and reclaiming independence
- The incredible path from rehabilitation to becoming the first quadriplegic to graduate from Cornell University
- His continued pursuit of helping others through law, advocacy, and his memoir A Dream of Things That Never Were
- Why positivity, gratitude, and perseverance are at the heart of overcoming paralysis and thriving after trauma
Ken’s story of overcoming paralysis is more than a tale of survival — it’s a powerful reminder that the human spirit can turn tragedy into triumph. Through resilience, hope, and purpose, he proves that even when life changes in an instant, we still have the power to overcome.
Learn More
- A Dream of Things That Never Were – Available on Amazon
- Visit Ken’s website: kenkunken.com
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