For former teacher Billy Keenan, life was defined by action. A man of many talents, he had served in the Army, mastered musical instruments including the flute, guitar, bass guitar, and piano, and competed as a triathlete and surfer. “I was at the peak of my powers,” Keenan reflected. However, his life took a dramatic turn on Sept.14, 2013, while surfing at the Jersey Shore.
“I rode that wave, fell off my board, hit my head on the ocean floor,” Keenan told CBS News. “Everything faded to black.” Keenan woke up in a hospital room two and a half weeks later, paralyzed from the shoulders down. The medical team had little hope for his recovery. “I resembled a train wreck,” he said.
I had a halo brace drilled into my skull to keep my head and neck immobilized. And I had a trach tube doing my breathing for me.”
During what Keenan described as “a lot of darkness,” he received a visit from the parent of a former student who handed him the phone. On the other end was NYPD Detective Steven McDonald, who had been paralyzed in a shooting in 1986 but survived to become a public speaker and advocate for forgiveness. McDonald had powerful advice for Keenan. “The only reason you survive is when you’re better, when you’re stronger, when your rehab is over, you’re going to come back and contribute in a significant way,” he said. “Don’t ever forget that in the end, there will be life.”
James J. Houlihan introduces his friend Billy Keenan at Fordham’s Westchester campus. Photo by Bruce Gilbert
Keenan’s background as a former Army lieutenant and paratrooper had accustomed him to what he called “deliberate discomfort.” Reflecting on his past experiences, Keenan said, “I was challenging myself, but positively, when times were good, never knowing that I would need those times — that evidence of resilience — when everything went wrong.”
Drawing on his faith and McDonald’s reminder, Keenan defied the odds. Four months after the accident, he could breathe on his own again. “If you look at that picture, you would never think that that guy was going to be able to breathe again,” Keenan said.
You would never think that that guy was going to be able to teach again.”
In 2015, Keenan returned to teaching but later retired. Inspired by McDonald’s death in January 2017, Keenan decided to help others by becoming a motivational speaker. “With the energy I have left, you know, I try to be there as a steward and as a light of inspiration for, you know, the human family,” he said.
James J. Houlihan. Photo courtesy of Houlihan
Keenan published his autobiography in 2023, “The Road to Resilience: The Billy Keenan Story,” and is working on a new book titled “I Am Iron Man.” He believes McDonald delivered him a divine message in the hospital. “I’ve come to realize that conversation — those words — were not coming from Steven,” Keenan said. “They were coming through Steven. I truly believe that he was the messenger from God to save a terribly lost soul.”
Keenan’s journey from a high school teacher and triathlete to a paralyzed motivational speaker is a testament to resilience and hope. “I want you to remember the man in the wheelchair,” Keenan said. “You are able-bodied and able-minded. There is absolutely nothing you cannot do. Imagine what you can achieve, the adversity you can fight through and withstand. In the end, the decision is yours.”
Keenan’s story continues to inspire many. After one of his talks, a woman was so moved that tears streamed down her face. “Don’t be sad,” Keenan told her. “I’m not.”
