Survivor
John Westhaver hails from St. Stephen, New Brunswick, a quaint town situated along the St. Croix River. Growing up as the second youngest of eight siblings, he cherishes the memories of his childhood. John was a diligent student who maintained a tight-knit circle of friends.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, John endured a fatal car accident in 1994, just prior to his high school graduation. He and his friends had been drinking and driving recklessly, neglecting road safety. Even though the driver was sober, the car spun out of control and collided with a telephone pole. After emerging from a coma that lasted a month, John confronted the deaths of three of his friends and the severe burns that enveloped 75% of his body. Through his arduous healing process, he discovered the resilience to persevere and felt motivated to encourage others to make safer decisions. Consequently, he dedicated his life to this mission. |
Speaker
John Westhaver is a compelling and captivating motivational speaker with two decades of experience captivating audiences across Canada and the United States. Having delivered over 700 presentations, he is a well-established and inspiring presence, committed to instilling hope, bravery, and strength in his listeners.
John's speaking journey commenced in 2000 when he relocated to Victoria, British Columbia, and continued surgeries to address his extensive burn injuries. After joining a local Burn Survivor Support Group, John's physical therapist, recognizing his innate ability to inspire, recommended that he pursue public speaking. Consequently, John became a member of Toastmasters and gave his inaugural presentation in 2002. John's clientele encompasses organizations such as Firefighters Burn Fund Victoria, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Manitoba Public Insurance, S.A.D.D., Crime Stoppers, and many others. He tailors his presentations to suit each event, narrating his story with humor and optimism. John encourages his audience to embrace personal responsibility and accountability to achieve their aspirations. John's talks can encompass themes like courage, overcoming adversity, responsibility, safety, and leadership. Engage John for your upcoming event and be astonished by his dynamic, enthralling, and unforgettable speaking prowess. For long-lasting inspiration and transformation, John is the ideal speaker. |
Coach
John has been a devoted volunteer and trained member of the Burn Survivor Group in Victoria, BC, since the mid-2000s. The group assists individuals impacted by burn injuries in their quest to regain their pre-trauma lives. Additionally, John has held the position of Co-Chair for the Canadian Burn Survivor Community, a national network encompassing medical professionals, firefighters, and burn survivors. This community hosts a biennial conference, providing burn survivors and their families with the opportunity to learn from expert speakers on burn trauma recovery.
John's unwavering commitment to helping others and supporting burn survivors through their healing journey is evident. His mission is to motivate and empower those affected by burn injuries to lead fulfilling lives, regardless of their circumstances. |
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