Meet Kevin: Author, Motivational Speaker and Sunflower Member

Date: 09/26/23

Sunflower Supports Member in Successful Life after Paralysis

Sunflower Health Plan is proud to announce the production of a video to showcase the resilience, abilities and accomplishments of one of its members.

Kevin Olson became paralyzed at age 19. He since has achieved personal and professional successes. Olson is now a motivational speaker and the author of “Learning to Live With It,” a book about his journey through the aftermath of the accident that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. The book describes a difference between passive acceptance and actively "living with it."

“I'm married. I have kids and grandkids. I have a job," Olson said. “And so, we're able to do a lot of things in life that I've always wanted to do. And Sunflower has been a big part of that.”

“Kevin's message is something that we've all learned from, and he has been so willing to share it,” said Nicole Goodwin, Sunflower long-term care coordinator who has worked with Olson since 2019. “He even participated in a motivational, all-staff town hall with Sunflower last year. He really lives his motto of 'do what you can, with what you have, right where you are, and don’t worry about the rest.'”

Sunflower supports members like Olson through services tailored to their individual needs and may include things like personal care attendants at home or on the job. The goals are to give people with disabilities the support they need to be active, employed and more involved in their communities.

“Having Kevin as our member since 2013 has been our privilege,” said Stephanie Rasmussen, Sunflower vice president of long-term care and external relations. “We're so happy to be a part of his support team and journey.”