For Kevin, some of those people were famous.
Others were family and friends.
Joe Montana was one of Kevin’s earliest heroes. Football was a major part of his childhood, and Montana became his favorite player. When Montana was traded from San Francisco to Kansas City, Kevin’s allegiance followed him. He became a lifelong Chiefs fan.
That childhood admiration never really disappeared.
But Kevin’s heroes eventually became about more than sports.
Joni Eareckson Tada had a particularly meaningful influence on Kevin because she understood life with a significant disability.
Through Joni and Friends, she devoted her life to serving people with disabilities and helping churches become more welcoming and accessible.
Kevin had opportunities to participate in Joni’s events and fundraisers.
Her faith, resilience, and dedication deeply influenced him.
Kevin began to understand that disability did not have to eliminate purpose.
He could still contribute.
He could still serve.
He could still encourage people.
He could still make a difference.
Those influences helped Kevin think beyond simply surviving his circumstances.
He began sharing his testimony.
He talked about his shooting, paralysis, addiction, recovery, faith, and forgiveness.
Eventually, that testimony became part of the vision for Founded on Forgiveness.
Kevin wanted to help other victims of violent crime—people who might feel forgotten, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn. His vision included helping with practical needs such as therapy, equipment, or other expenses that insurance might not cover.
Of course, Kevin’s heroes weren’t limited to public figures.
His family shaped him.
His recovery friends shaped him.
Coaches, pastors, mentors, and people who simply believed in him shaped him.
Some people inspired Kevin by what they accomplished.
Others inspired him simply by showing up.
That may be the greater lesson.
We often think heroes are the people we admire from a distance.
Kevin’s life shows that sometimes a hero is simply the person who walks beside you when the road gets difficult.
