Meet Motivational Speaker Kiel Eigen

While growing up in Old Forge, Pa., with his parents and older brother, Kiel Eigen endured his share of life’s challenges. A child athlete, Kiel learned early on that determination and hard work are key to success.

In September 2006 when he was just fourteen years old, Kiel played in his first freshman high school football game. During the game, Kiel landed on the turf after a typical tackle and couldn’t move. He was air-lifted to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, and doctors performed surgery and fused his C4, C5 and C6 vertebrae together. After spending time in intensive care, Kiel transferred to Allied Services’ inpatient facility in Scranton and spent 47 days in the hospital where he underwent therapy. Now a C5 quadriplegic, Kiel required a power wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Despite his challenges, Kiel graduated from high school and college and now works for Quantum Rehab as an employee and consumer advocate. To help him in his daily life, Kiel uses the Edge 3 Power Wheelchair with 4.5 mph iLevel®.

“As a quadriplegic, iLevel enables me to maintain one hundred percent of my independence,” Kiel said.

With his iLevel Power Wheelchair, Kiel travels the country, making appearances at consumer expos and speaking at events. He has served as a keynote speaker for many universities and conferences. Kiel is also a member of the Lackawanna County Disability Action Committee. The committee advises policy makers on the accessibility of county facilities and develops programs for people with disabilities to bring more inclusion to local communities.

Kiel enjoys meeting new people, sharing his message of determination and hope with others. He believes in living life to the fullest and encourages others to live life fully as well, no matter what circumstances they face.