Standing Tall

Spencer West is many things. Accomplished speaker. University graduate. Natural prankster. Former cheerleader. And a young man without legs—something that has never held him back. Spencer was born without the use of his legs. When he was five, doctors decided to amputate below his pelvis to better help him get around. It didn’t bother him; he was Superman and nothing would ever get in his way. Or so he thought. Navigating through life on his hands, Spencer has always lived with purpose. But he wanted more out of life than just a paycheque and material possessions. He wanted to make an impact but wasn’t always sure how. That was until he had the epiphany: He was different for a reason. Infused with humour and humility, Spencer has never lost the hope or courage he needed to tackle personal obstacles—bullying, isolation, failure, or pride. His secret? Always standing tall.

Spencer West is an inspirational and charismatic speaker for the social enterprise Me to We. In 2008, he travelled to Kenya to help build a school in the Maasai Mara, where he met young people who strive to overcome challenges every day. This experience helped him recognize his true calling?to motivate and inspire people around the world. Since he began speaking, Spencer has reached over 1.8 million people, including students, educators, faith-based groups, and families with his encouraging words.

Craig and Marc Kielburger are brothers and co-founders of Free The Children. Their work has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, BBC, and The Today Show, and in Time and The Economist.