Kaleb Dahlgren, a Humboldt Broncos bus accident survivor, will be the keynote speaker at UNBC’s eight annual Timberwolves Legacy Night Nov. 10 in Prince George.
Dahlgren was one of 13 who survived the horrific accident that took 16 people’s lives when the junior hockey team’s bus collided with a semi-trailer whose driver failed to see a stop sign at the intersection of Highways 35 and 335 on April 6, 2018.
Dahlgren said he now carries in his heart the memory of those who were lost in that tragic accident and it inspires him even further to share his story of perseverance through a most difficult time.
Dahlgren is a bestselling author of his book Crossroads, played hockey at university and is now studying to be a chiropractic doctor.
Dahlgren is busier than ever advocating for great causes and speaking at events like the Timberwolves Legacy Night fundraiser for UNBC Athletics, where every dollar raised going directly towards scholarships and bursaries for TWolves student athletes.
“I absolutely adore giving back to communities that I’ve been a part of especially and sports have been a big piece of my life and being able to offer a different perspective to some of those athletes in the room and people within that organization has been really special and something that I don’t take for granted,” Dahlgren said during a phone interview with The Citizen.
Dahlgren said that during the time since the bus accident he has healed completely and would not be able to do what he does if he hadn’t.
From a very young age Dahlgren learned to be resilient, having been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at four years old, and despite what doctors and coaches said, he reached an elite level of athleticism.
Dahlgren created Dahlgren’s Diabeauties, a mentorship program he started in 2017 to give back to children with Type 1 diabetes. He has also volunteered with Special Olympics and recreational hockey in his hometown.
Dahlgren has always dedicated his life to helping others so the bus accident didn’t change the trajectory of his life.
“But it did give me a bigger platform to voice my opinions and help other people,” Dahlgren said. “So before the crash I was a community-minded individual and I always did give back but the bus accident presented another crossroad in my life to use to inspire other people who are experiencing tough times in their life too. So it really hasn’t changed my life that much but it is a reminder to continue to live my life to the fullest. I had that mindset before the crash but it has reinformed it more as I now have even more reasons as I carry in my heart 16 people in my life who I lost that were really like family.”
This year’s UNBC Legacy Night is a twist on the original fundraiser that used to be the Legacy Breakfast so instead of starting the day off it will be an evening event complete with craft beers, wine, appetizers, and entertainment.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kaleb Dahlgren for what should be an incredible evening,” Loralyn Murdoch, UNBC’s director of athletics & recreation, said. “Kaleb is truly an amazing person. He has an incredible story. I can’t wait for everyone to hear from him and to learn from him.”
Dahlgren has an important message he will share with those attending the fundraiser.
“Some key points for people to know is that they should enjoy the grind of life – and that can be for any aspect of life, whether it’s work, academics, athletics, relationships, finances – all of that is a grind and in that grind you have to learn to enjoy it and find the positive in it,” Dahlgren said. “One of the key points is to focus on the things people can control. I know life throws lots of things our way and most of it is out of our control and I will provide some insight into that aspect of our lives. Living with gratitude is so important and that’s another big piece, too. Also finding strength and being vulnerable – those are some of the key points, which ultimately make up resilience and being able to handle the crossroads of life.”
Tickets are on sale now at https://www.unbcgiving.ca/events/2022/legacy-night-2022
