Ken Bestine - An Inspiration to All

Ken and Barb Bestine.

Ken Bestine was born June 26, 1966. A native of Westfield, New York; Ken later found himself a resident of Clymer, New York where he would "settle down" and begin life with his wife Barb Bestine. At this point in his life, Ken could be described as a typical American man who was living out the American Dream, working 70 hours a week.

Ken worked three different jobs. He made ends meet by owning a vineyard, escorting funerals on motorcycle, and managing a food plant; all of which kept Ken very busy. In his spare time Ken enjoyed cycling and playing hockey. Amidst his dedication to work, he would also gain exciting news that him and Barb were expecting the birth of their first children as they discovered that they were expecting twins.

Ken and Barb Bestine welcoming Mackenzie and Madalyn into the world on March 18, 1999.

Ken and Barb welcomed fraternal twins, Mackenzie and Madalyn, into the world on March 18, 1999. Two years later, they welcomed their third child, Mason, into the world on June 23, 2001. As most young fathers, Ken was now not only busy with work, but extremely busy loving his wife and raising their beautiful 3 year-old-twins and a 9-month-old baby. Ken spoke of this time in his life as, "everything that he was working toward" but he never, "took the time to stop and smell the roses."

On April 11, 2002 Ken's world was completely changed. Ken was in a life changing motorcycle accident one minute from his home that resulted in him being a T-6, T-7 paraplegic. Remembering very little from the accident itself, Ken recalls driving home from work and waking up in a field. A life changing event as such would leave most individuals questioning how to continue. Ken too went through this difficult time. One thing that makes Ken's story particularly unique is the love and support from his family whom helped him through each and every day. He discussed his overwhelming gratitude for his wife and children because after meeting other paraplegics, he realized that many did not have the opportunity to have children prior to their accident and the paralysis would leave them unable to have children.

Two years after the accident, as Ken began to realize that his life was still incredibly valuable, but he would be living life differently from before; he found hand cycling. Hand cycling quickly became a large element of his life. He found employment with a company called Bike-On operating from bike-on.com and used his previous knowledge of cycling to relate it to hand cycling.

While employed at Bike-On, Ken began to use his knowledge in his own community. He did this by hosting a week long cycling camp where hand cyclers would come and cycle for 250 miles long. Ken describes this experience as a wonderful one not only for himself but also for his family. Through this experience, the Bestine's were able to meet hundreds of individuals, house some at their home in Clymer, and create bonds that will last a lifetime.

Ken's support system at the Pittsburgh Marathon on Sunday, May 5, 2019. Pictured (top row) from L/R: Mack Bestine, Anthony Cacciotti, Mason Bestine, Isabel McGill , Nicolette Robinson. Pictured (bottom row) from L/R: Madalyn Bestine, Ken Bestine, and Lizzy Kline.

At the age of 53, Ken still actively cycles. He has participated in numerous marathons over the years. One that hits close to home is The Pittsburgh Marathon. Last year, Ken came in first place with a cycling time of 1:27:27. This year on Sunday, May 5, 2019; Ken competed to defend his title but fell a few minutes short of taking home the win back-to-back years. Win or lose, Ken believes that he has already won with the love and support of his family and friends. He also spoke highly of the entire accident experience because had it not happened; he would not have met some of his closest friends today. Adverse situations occur each and every day but Ken took his adverse situation and made it into something amazing. It was a pleasure to gain greater insight on Ken Bestine and his life. He is truly an inspiration to all.

Ken and Madalyn Bestine.

One of Ken's biggest fans, is someone who can speak highly of her father, Madalyn Bestine. Madalyn shared how her father's situation has impacted her life for the better. Her unconditional love and appreciation for her father is evident. As college students, it is important to realize that everyone comes from different places, situations, and experiences. Madalyn demonstrates grace in all aspects and viewpoints on her life at home. Through this interview experience she hopes that others will always strive to be kind to one another.