You Have One Life. Live It. | Sherry McConkey | TEDxUniversityofNevada

After the tragic death of her husband Shane in 2009, Sherry McConkey had to change in order to continue to thrive. Shane McConkey, regarded as the most influential skier in the world, believed that if you have the courage to be authentic, anything is possible. In this very authentic talk, Sherry discusses how the legacy of Shane empowers her daily to discover a new and better version of herself.

An avid world traveler, Sherry McConkey was born in Ireland, raised in South Africa, and began her global journey in 1989. After traveling through Europe and Canada, she landed in Lake Tahoe, CA, which she still calls home.
A passion for the outdoors connected Sherry to legendary free ski pioneer Shane McConkey. The two were married in Thailand in 2004 and their greatest creation, Ayla, came along in 2005. Shane passed away in 2009.
Through both her life with Shane, and his death, Sherry has come to believe that with desire, passion, and a goal, anything is possible. Despite the grief after losing him, Sherry knew she wanted to carry on Shane’s legacy. She turned moments of sadness into inspiration and used the power of positivity to build The Shane McConkey Foundation, and Executive Produce the movie, McConkey.

[AW-zcxt]

We all die. Most never live. This guy lived.

[EnglishwithKristina]

As a wife and mother, I can't even begin to imagine what you must have gone through and am so sorry for your loss. Please continue to be authentic and pour your heart into it - it shows. You are an inspiration, Sherry. Thank you for this video.

[sisteryaya]

Losing my mother and my father was one of the hardest hings I have ever had to deal with so I understand what she may have suffered. I admire how she allowed that deep and great loss to assist her in becoming a bigger version of herself and living a more passionate life. Thanks so much.

[thisdreamergirl]

My husband rides a motorcycle. It's dangerous, and I usually worry. But two things help me navigate that worry - 1. Seeing the JOY on my husbands face, and in his energy when he's on his bike... and 2. this amazing phrase "Las aves prefieren morir volando." (The birds prefer to die while flying) If he's going to injure himself, I'd rather him injure himself doing something he loves.

[melissamclaughlin]

I watched the documentary on Shane a couple years ago. I was immediately drawn in by his personality, acceptance of others, and charisma. It was an amazing, well made documentary that seem to really capture the essence of his life. AMAZING.

[marujob]

We all know we have one life but it amazes us that living life to the fullest seems to be a revolutionary idea.

[macintheus]

A little poem that would seem to sum up Shane's life. "My candle burns at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends, it gives a lovely light." -- Edna St. Vincent Millay

The movie -- McConkey -- is one of the best I've ever seen -- of any genre. I recommend it to everyone. Shane was an amazing guy who had the courage to follow his dreams. I was blown away by his athleticism, and laughed so hard at his antics!.

R.I.P. Shane -- and way to go Sherry for turning such a dark event into such a bright light. Shane would be so proud!

[tywoodhall]

Shane McConkey, will forever be changed the world by Believing in his Dreams.

[gracebrown]

Sherry,
Your evolution as an individual and passion to make a difference in this world are infectious. Thank you for perpetuating Shane and his curious, dorky, genuine, amazing self. As a High School student, The Shane McConkey Foundation reminds me to live my best life every day, and making a difference in the world is possible at any age, and that we are all worthy of making our dreams come true no matter what. Thank you.

[wingspan]

Hi Sherry, I knew I recognized you from somewhere. When your daughter told me your story, in the Los Olas pool, I had a faint memory I had seen it. I found this video and showed it to Quinn. What a delight to meet you and your daughter! I knew she was a mermaid when I saw her splashing in the pool and singing. You are so lucky to have each other. Thank you for sharing so courageously this story. It's touching and powerful because you are so right. We have only one life to live, but the beauty is that those we love who have moved on live within our hearts forever. I hope our paths cross again and If you ever want to jam with some ukuleles, please let me know. Many Blessing and my deepest gratitude for your powerful and vulnerable talk!

[mamajulie]

I am currently Caregiving for Shane's mother, Glenn, which brought me to learn about Shane and Glenn as well. I am so grateful and honored to be around such beautiful, amazing, and inspiring people, and to Caregive for his mother in the last stretch of her journey. I am grateful and inspired to learn of Shane, his legacy, his Light. Thank you for this talk. I will take your examples and words to heart, as well as the foundations you mention. Exciting and good work. Thank you!

[sharonericson]

Death of a love one, a horrible thing to live past. Thank you for sharing, so strong. I'm struggling to live past my precious sister's death 3 years ago. Bless you . ♥️

[htr]

You were so brave to do this Sherry - inspiring just like your husband - bless you xxxx

[mansijain]

Acknowledging the devastated reality that love of your life will never meet you anymore, his existence has completely vanished to this world is something which is excruciatingly painful.

[larasmith]

🦋I can’t even imagine what you felt getting the call but for me knowing families can be together forever has helped with loss

[AmaSharapova]

Documentary about McConkey is one of the best movies I have seen. Thank you.

[azzamatdardhk]

It is true that in this world we have to live only for onetime but it is also true that we shall be granted a second life for living again, no body know about his life after death in this world.

[BrianMorrisPhoto]

Love you Sherry, that was amazing! You both touched my soul deeply while on my journey and calling Tahoe my home, our home, Your queendom. Sending you blessings always.

[myles]

Great Talk. I felt it in my soul. God Bless Shane!

[arlinegeorge]

Great great talk . Life is short . Preach what you live . Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true.