Vahen King is an author, speaker and founder of the non-profit charity Going Farther. In 2017, Vahen was crowned the first ever Miss Wheelchair Canada and went on to win the prestigious title of Miss Kindness World. Not only her beauty, but her character has won her awards. Vahen’s courage is contagious. She inspires boldness and resiliency by facing each new adversity head-on. Demonstrating that the biggest limitations or disabilities are often the ones we place on ourselves.
At the age of 23, one week after her engagement to the man of her dreams, Vahen developed Transverse Myelitis, a virus that left her physically disabled and dependent on the use of a wheelchair. Although Vahen portrayed confidence as she was trying to cope as a person with a disability, her “new normal” was facing feelings of self-doubt and exclusion. Reaching a point of desperation, she realized that she had a choice to make, to be paralyzed by fears and insecurities, or push forward.
Vahen’s compelling experiences set the stage for her ultimate call to action, to encourage others to lean into discomfort, ditch our “I can’t” mentalities, and choose courage to overcome your own emotional and physical challenges.
There is a large ripple effect from Vahen’s story of courage, and how her influence has impacted ten’s of thousands of people around the world.
Vahen states, “While Transverse Myelitis set me on a path I would never have chosen, it has lead me to find strength I didn’t know existed, and into the fulfillment of my wildest dreams.”
In 2019, Vahen was featured at International Day For Persons with Disabilities, as someone who is an inspiration in their community. Vahen has told her story and motivated not only those with disabilities, but those who’ve had to overcome struggles, or just need to be encouraged.
Vahen currently lives with her amazing husband Vaughan, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and considers it a true honor and privilege to share her story of hope and courage with the world.
I know what it is to be broken…
Softcover $12.99 US (ISBN#978-0-9950909-0-3)
Hardcover $24.99 US (ISBN#978-0-9950909-1-0)
e-Book $8.99 US (ISBN#978-0-9950909-2-7)
AMAZON.CA
(CDN pricing based on exchange rate)
Vahen has presented as a keynote speaker in public schools and universities, conference centres, churches and weekend retreats.
Vahen tries her best to engage when time permits through her blogs and social media channels. However, please understand that Vahen is on a strict schedule and requires time to prepare for travel & speaking events, and therefore may not always be able to respond to personal requests.
Please send any speaking inquiries through the online request form here: Book Vahen
Yes, Vahen is thrilled to tell you that she is working on her second book, and while she was HOPING it would be ready for distribution in 2019, she feels that a 2020 launch will be a more realistic time line.
GOING FARTHER ORG.
Photography & video editing:
Eric Hlookoff (Erichlookoff.com)
Additional Photography by:
Rick Carlson (DesignPics.com)
Jennilee Drisner (Selahreflections.ca)
All rights reserved. Going Farther Org.