Kevin Pearce

Champion Snowboarder & Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor

Kevin Pearce

Champion Snowboarder & Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor

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Biography

In the blink of an eye, Kevin Pearce went from being an Olympic gold medal hopeful to suffering a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) that nearly took his life. As a champion snowboarder once considered the key rival to Shaun White, Kevin earned back-to-back victories at The Oakley Arctic Challenge and two Air & Style Victories in 2007 and 2008. He went on to become a silver medalist with a thrilling performance at the 2009 Winter X Games. By 2010, Kevin was considered a gold medal contender in the Winter Olympics. Then, tragedy struck. In a devastating training accident, Kevin suffered the traumatic brain injury that would change his life forever.

After six days in a coma, Kevin awoke to the faces of his family and a grueling road to recovery. He began intensive therapy and rehabilitation that included relearning how to walk, talk and even swallow – rewiring his brain to do all the little things that most of us take for granted. By drawing upon his own unwavering optimism, the discipline that he had acquired as a world-class athlete, the love of his family, and the support of numerous healthcare professionals and caregivers, Kevin made amazing progress that continues to this day. He recently got married and continues to prioritize his family. His journey has also included forging a new path toward helping and inspiring others. As the co- founder of the Love Your Brain Foundation, Kevin has found a passionate sense of purpose advocating for the prevention of brain injury and assisting those affected by it. 

Today, as a sought-after keynote speaker, Kevin Pearce is inspiring the level of admiration that he once did as a spellbinding snowboarder. His uplifting presence has earned reviews ranging from “the experience of a lifetime” to “the best speaker that I have ever heard.” Known for contagious optimism that lifts up audiences, he is delivering a powerful message of perseverance, purpose, overcoming adversity and finding strength through helping others.

Speaker Videos

Kevin Pearce on the Today Show

Conquering “Negative Thoughts” and How to Stay Positive

The Crash Reel - Official Trailer

A Brain Injury Is like a Fingerprint, No Two Are Alike

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Speech Topics

If you are interested in having your audience view the documentary "The Crash Reel" prior to your event, speak to your APB agent.

The Crash Reel

Champion snowboarder Kevin Pearce’s epic rise, life-changing fall and inspiring road to recovery were chronicled in The Crash Reel, the acclaimed HBO documentary by Oscar-nominated director, Lucy Walker. With dramatic footage from the film that brings his moving story to life, Kevin shares his stellar snowboarding career before the crash and his spiritual and physical journey to accept and overcome his traumatic brain injury. This is an unforgettable story of family, strength, determination and the triumph of the human spirit in overcoming even the greatest challenges.

The Road to Recovery: A Patient’s Perspective

Six months in a coma. Three months in the hospital. Years of intensive therapy. Kevin’s challenging road to recovery since his 2010 accident has included tremors, eye surgeries, physical and psychotherapy, and a journey that continues to this day. Kevin personalizes the perspective of a patient recovering from traumatic brain injury, providing inspiration to TBI patients and valuable insights to caregivers. He also highlights why it is important to “Love Your Brain,” sharing his own regiment of diet, meditation, yoga and exercise. This moving presentation illuminates the patient journey through Kevin’s experience. It also reminds those who work in healthcare of their very special calling — and the extraordinary difference that they can make every day.

Meditation, Yoga and Healing Through a Healthy Lifestyle

Perseverance and Optimism Through Difficult Times

Conquering “Negative Thoughts” and How to Stay Positive 

Testimonials

"I have heard so many great things about Kevin’s talk – it was a huge hit and I don’t know how we will ever top this in the future! I think having Shiloh there was a nice addition as well. It was such a pleasure to talk with him and work with him and we left feeling inspired and full of new ideas! Thanks for all of your help and again, it has been a pleasure to work with you, Kevin, and the rest of the APB team!"

- Brain Injury Association of Ohio

"Kevin Pearce addressed the students of Assumption High School during our Mission Week program. Our theme was “Brave New World,” and his address was a perfect way to inspire our students to reflect on being persons of courage and character. His laid-back, friendly approach won the students over immediately, and they were moved by not only what he has overcome but by the determination that still drives his path forward today. He showed an 8-minute video that condensed The Crash Reel to its essential pieces, which helped the students who hadn’t seen the entire documentary visualize his journey. The Q&A session at the end was thoroughly engaging, and the students were disappointed when time was up! An added benefit was the very clear love and respect he demonstrated for his wife and baby daughter. As an all-girls school, we love to hold up examples of men who cherish the women in their lives. Honestly, I will have a very hard time following his address with future speakers!"

- Assumption High School

"The Quebec Traumatic Brain Injury Association of Montreal-Laval would like to thank Kevin for his participation as a speaker at our conference 'The day after, rebuilding your life.' We thank you for supporting us in making the public aware of the reality of people living with head trauma after the rehabilitation period. In addition, this conference was intended as a platform for the transfer of expertise and we can, according to the comments of participants, certify that we achieved our objectives by the quality of your presentation. This conference also raised several issues and we hope that concrete actions will be implemented in the short term. On behalf of the members of the AQTC Board of Directors, as well as on my own behalf, I wanted to thank you for this contribution."

- Quebecois Association of Traumatic Brain Injuries

"At the 25th anniversary program Kevin shared his touching story of overcoming his adversity before over 450 business and community leaders. Kevin also spoke to over 400 middle school students and over 300 high school students. Kevin made a special connection with the business owners by weaving the adversities of the finalist into his story."

- McGriff Insurance Services

"Thank you again for coming to share your wisdom, strength and hope with all of us. I have been a Pediatric RN for 30 years and specialized in TBI and Spinal Cord Injury. I learned so much from your talk tonight that will serve me in such a positive way both personally and professionally. Thank you again and again for being who you are and teaching us all what so many forget is important: To Love Your Brain. Sending much love and gratitude."

- The Millbrook School

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! The time you spent with us at Millbrook was so incredibly moving and memorable. Your sense of humor, your gratitude and perseverance, and your kindness gave me so much hope. My entire family, as well as the Millbrook community, was in awe of you. You reminded us to be hopeful and positive and never let anyone say you “can't” or “won't.” I am honored that you took the time to visit Millbrook. The students have been talking about you nonstop since. Thank you for your time, your message, and sharing so much love."

- Millbrook Community Member

"Thank you for your time and energy. You connected with our students in ways no speaker before you has been able to do. I think the biggest takeaway from your visit to Salisbury and Berkshire is that we want to get involved, we want to be part of your movement in Loving the Brain. These kids are bright, motivated, and get so fired up when the school gets someone like you that actually cares about them."

- Assistant Director of College Advising, Salisbury School

"Thank you for bringing out so many smiles in our community today. Your presentation put the kids and faculty in a great mood. I'm still processing your story, everything you went through, and how incredible your family was throughout - especially your brother. We are so lucky to have people like you willing to share their stories in this crazy world. Feeling so damn #BLESSED to have met you. I always love when the community can take a moment together, breathe and appreciate the truly good things we have in our lives. Keep doing the good work and hope our paths cross again soon."

- Assistant Director of Admission, Berkshire School Head Coach, Girls Cross Country Asst. Coach, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding

"Kevin! We know we said it about 25 times already today but again THANK YOU for an amazing morning with our students. It meant the world to us and them. Everyone was talking about you ALL DAY. You have made a bigger impact on our school than you will ever truly know."

- Skyline Elementary School, Solana Beach, CA

"Thank you so much for coming to Springfield College! You did such an awesome job and we are grateful that you were able to come speak at our school. Everyone that I have spoken to after the event has had nothing but amazing things to say about you and your presentation. So many students have come up to me these past few days and told me how much you inspired them, how they never thought to meditate, but now are going to (one student said that he felt the love and the power of meditation when you guided us through one) and that they had such a great time listening to you speak. One professor even told me that out of all the speaking events at Springfield College she has been to, your presentation was the best one and she said she could say that others felt that way as well. I really wanted you to hear this feedback and for you to know how many lives you truly inspire. I am so grateful to have had the chance to get to know you. Thanks again for everything!"

- Springfield College

"Kevin’s presentation was WONDERFUL! It was so evident that Kevin has put in a lot of work to be a great public speaker. So many people came up to me after the conference to say that they thought he was the best keynote we have ever had, so a huge congratulations to Kevin on that. Hopefully one day we can have Kevin back. Thank you for all of your help over the last few months getting all the details sorted."

- Canadian Down Syndrome Society

"Thank you for your talk last evening. We've had great speakers before but never have we had the kind of feedback that we had last night and this morning. To have so many students marvel at your experience and for some to say "that's the best speaker I have ever heard" will be takeaways our community will forever hold. You instantly connected with these students, gave them a time to press pause and understand an incredible message.

I have had countless students approach me today asking questions and reveling in that one hour that you gave us which became an experience of a lifetime. Your thoughts on mindfulness, positive thinking for your brain and valuing all that life has to offer resonated with everyone in the room and your sense of humor kept everyone relaxed and engaged. With so many teenagers taking risks, it was critical for them to hear how important it is to protect yourself, love your mind, love yourself and focus on the big picture. Your extraordinary journey as a family is an inspiration and we are all so touched by your warmth as people. Thank you so much, we are so grateful to have had you here."

- Director of College Counseling, Brooks School

"We are FRIENDS indeed! Thank you so much for your amazing support last night. Your speech was very impactful, your answers to the questions thoughtful and honest, and you had the crowd completely engaged. We are so happy with the outcome."

- Fund Development Manager, We Are Friends

"I wanted to personally thank you again for coming to speak at our university. We have never had such a big turn out or positive response from an event like we did tonight. Everyone left saying such positive things about how this changed their outlook on healthcare and brain injuries. We don't get much exposure discussions about brain injuries, so your perspective was refreshing and informative."

- University of New England

"Your visit to our campus was awesome for us. For me personally, I count it as an incredible privilege to have met you—someone who has reached the very highest level of your sport, and who also works to make the world a better place. I want you to know your accomplishments and your messages are both inspirational, to me and our whole community here on campus. Everyone I’ve talked with about you has commented on the tangible positive energy you brought to the room. For kids who have had concussions and had self doubt, your talk was so important. And for all of us, the messages of positivity, of gratitude, and of patience, are so important."

- Green Mountain Valley School