My life Bio: Ken Vantroba – Stroke Survivor & Creator of Cuddle Spoons®

Hi, my name is Ken Vantroba.

The first 26 years of my life were good — really good. I grew up in a loving family where vacations, park trips, and outings were a normal part of life. We enjoyed being together. As a kid, I played Little League baseball, built wooden go-karts, and spent my days with neighborhood friends.

In high school, I stayed active in sports, playing football, baseball, wrestling, and even boxing. I also participated in a vocational work program that gave me a head start on life after graduation. Shortly after, I attended a local college to take additional courses and figure out my direction.

As the years passed, I became a responsible young adult. I had good jobs, made decent money, owned cars, trucks, and motorcycles, and even had my own apartment. I had friends, independence, and every reason to believe I was headed toward a normal, fulfilling life.

Then, on December 11, 1988, everything changed.

I suffered a severe vascular attack — a stroke. Between intensive care and rehabilitation, I spent over a year and a half in the hospital. During that time, I lost nearly everything. My job future disappeared. My savings ran out. My vehicles were sold. Friends slowly faded away. Even the memories of someone very special to me began to slip.

I lost everything.

Life became dark, empty, and painfully lonely.

By 1994, I knew I had to wake up and build something new from what was left. My mind was still strong, so I returned to college. Over the next eight years, I attended four different colleges and earned two degrees — one in Engineering Technology (CAD–Machine Design) and another in Graphic Design & Multimedia. I graduated with honors in both.

I was certain this would be my way back into the real world. But it wasn’t. No one would give me a chance. After all those years of hard work, it felt like employers only saw a man in a wheelchair — not my skills, knowledge, or determination. I could almost hear the unspoken thoughts: “Does he really think we’re going to hire him?”

With no respect for what I had worked so hard to achieve, I slipped back into that dark, empty, lonely place.

Then came more setbacks. Sallie Mae began having the state withhold my SSDI benefits to pay student loans. Caregiver hours were cut. Bills piled up. I was living in my caregiver’s home, and the pressure just kept growing. I kept asking myself, “What else could go wrong?”

By early 2014, I was nearing 52 years old, sitting in my usual spot in a quiet, empty room. And then — something happened. It may sound strange, but I heard a voice in my head say:

“Ken, snap out of it. Remember that special person in your life. Keep those memories alive. Create something simple using your skills so others can keep their own memories alive too.”

That moment changed everything.

Using my skills in design, sketching, and computer 3D modeling, I created Cuddle Spoons — and even built this website myself. Those eight long years of schooling finally had a purpose.

I truly hope you enjoy these Cuddle Spoons as much as I enjoyed creating them for you.

I lived 26 good years, followed by 26 very difficult years. Now, these next 26 years are for you and your special memories.

Let’s see where life goes.

This Is My Hope for You

I’ve been disabled since 1988 and will likely remain in my motorized wheelchair for life. My goal is simple: to remind you not to take your life for granted.

Enjoy every moment you can. Share your life with someone special. Do your best to always keep your memories alive.

Cuddle Spoons were created from my own life experiences. I want you to enjoy them with that special person in your life — and if you haven’t found that person yet, Cuddle Spoons may help you begin that connection.

I promise you this: Cuddle Spoons are a gift you and your special person will never forget.

The Spooning Spoon that never stops Cuddling.

Meet Me...