#PeopleofNEI: Kevan, pushing the envelope

Northeast Indiana is evolving. These are the people shaping its future. #PeopleofNEI

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Kevan, 32, moved to Fort Wayne four years ago and has found an incredible support system here. He is a world traveler and has seen places like the Great Wall, Paris, the Shaolin Temple in China, Skellig Michael off of the coast of Ireland, and the English countryside. Due to his Spinal Muscular Atrophy, him and his friends modified and designed a backpack to allow them to carry him during their travels. They always return to Fort Wayne and you can find him often in the North Anthony Corridor or in downtown Fort Wayne. “I love being with people. I was born an optimist. My parents raised me to look at each day with the perspective of looking at what you want to do and what you can do, and then find the marriage between the two. You have to give a little but you can also push the envelope. This has taught me a lot of contentment and looking at the bright side of life. My friends and I took a trip to Europe and I left my wheelchair behind. I was completely trusting others with my well being. There was no safety net and I was completely depending on them 24/7. It was very humbling. When the person walking on the side of a cliff is carrying you, you realize that you are trusting them with everything. You realize you have no control over it. There is this microscopic moment of having peace with whatever happens in your life. You kinda have to let go. It forces peace and trust, and I have to be okay with it. I love my friends and community here in Fort Wayne. I have this crazy support system from my friends and my church. You will often find me at Fortezza or JK O’Donnell’s. I stay busy. We started #WeCarryKevan and a nonprofit in response to that. We made a professional version of the backpack and are about to start production with a partner. I also do a lot of public speaking to inspire others. I just got back from China and we recently did a documentary. I am also working on a book that comes out next summer. Doors just keep opening up. All of this provides a space to meet people and develop real friendships. If I left Fort Wayne, I’d lose these great relationships. People and relationships are what is really important. There is no ‘I’ in Kevan.” #PeopleofNEI

A post shared by Input Fort Wayne (@inputfortwayne) on Oct 16, 2018 at 11:49am PDT

#PeopleofNEI: Kevan, pushing the envelope

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