Defying the Odds: The Ken Kunken Story of Resilience, Dedication, and Impact
Sat Jan 31 2026
What happens when life changes in an instant—but purpose refuses to die?
In this powerful episode of Mission To Inspire with Shola Ajibade, we sit down with Ken Kunken, a man whose life is the definition of resilience, courage, and relentless faith in possibility.
After breaking his neck playing football for Cornell University in 1970, Ken was left almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down. Doctors adjusted expectations—but Ken rewrote the script. He returned to Cornell, became the first quadriplegic to graduate from the university, earned multiple graduate degrees, and went on to serve over 40 years as a Nassau County Assistant District Attorney, rising to Deputy Bureau Chief.
Ken’s journey spans advocacy, law, disability rights, leadership, fatherhood, and legacy. From testifying before a U.S. Senate Subcommittee to inspiring generations through his work and now his memoir, Ken’s story reminds us that limitations do not get the final word.
In this episode, Ken shares:
How he rebuilt his life after a spinal cord injury
The mindset that carried him through unimaginable challenges
Lessons from a 40+ year career in law and justice
Why purpose is stronger than circumstances
The heart behind his memoir, “I Dream of Things That Never Were”
This conversation will shift how you see adversity, calling, and what’s truly possible.
📘 Get Ken’s Memoir:“I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken Story” (Published 2023)
🌍 International readers (outside US & Canada):Kindle version available via Amazon US👉 https://a.co/d/1t1UWIN
🔗 Learn more about Ken Kunken:👉 https://kenkunken.com/
If this episode inspires you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs hope today.
#MissionToInspire #KenKunken #Resilience #OvercomingAdversity #DisabilityAdvocacy #PurposeDrivenLife #FaithAndCourage #SholaAjibade
More
What happens when life changes in an instant—but purpose refuses to die? In this powerful episode of Mission To Inspire with Shola Ajibade, we sit down with Ken Kunken, a man whose life is the definition of resilience, courage, and relentless faith in possibility. After breaking his neck playing football for Cornell University in 1970, Ken was left almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down. Doctors adjusted expectations—but Ken rewrote the script. He returned to Cornell, became the first quadriplegic to graduate from the university, earned multiple graduate degrees, and went on to serve over 40 years as a Nassau County Assistant District Attorney, rising to Deputy Bureau Chief. Ken’s journey spans advocacy, law, disability rights, leadership, fatherhood, and legacy. From testifying before a U.S. Senate Subcommittee to inspiring generations through his work and now his memoir, Ken’s story reminds us that limitations do not get the final word. In this episode, Ken shares: How he rebuilt his life after a spinal cord injury The mindset that carried him through unimaginable challenges Lessons from a 40+ year career in law and justice Why purpose is stronger than circumstances The heart behind his memoir, “I Dream of Things That Never Were” This conversation will shift how you see adversity, calling, and what’s truly possible. 📘 Get Ken’s Memoir:“I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken Story” (Published 2023) 🌍 International readers (outside US & Canada):Kindle version available via Amazon US👉 https://a.co/d/1t1UWIN 🔗 Learn more about Ken Kunken:👉 https://kenkunken.com/ If this episode inspires you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs hope today. #MissionToInspire #KenKunken #Resilience #OvercomingAdversity #DisabilityAdvocacy #PurposeDrivenLife #FaithAndCourage #SholaAjibade