500 miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair | Justin Skeesuck & Patrick Gray | TEDxBoise

I'll Push You is the story of two best friends' journey on the 500-mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail across northern Spain. It's a story of struggle, triumph, hope and accomplishment in the face of a severe disability. Justin was diagnosed with a degenerative neuromuscular disorder that rendered him without the use of his arms and legs and his best friend Patrick pushed him the entire distance in his wheelchair.

Justin Skeesuck is The Disabled Traveler. He encourages and instructs people with disabilities on how to successfully navigate and overcome the many challenges they face in their lives when traveling. A former graphic designer, Justin is now a motivational speaker, coach, and accessibility consultant. His authentic, powerful, and unique storytelling gives insight on what it’s like to live and travel with a progressive neuromuscular disease. Justin was the first person in history to complete the Camino de Santiago in a wheelchair; a 500 mile epic pilgrimage across northern Spain with his best friend, Patrick Gray, pushing him.

Patrick Gray: As a former high school teacher, a former registered nurse, and a health care administrator at a local hospital, Patrick Gray is a lover of people. He believes that who we are on a day to day basis is the greatest testament to what we believe. His life as a husband and father of three children provides him with daily joy, and his recent adventure across Spain with best friend Justin Skeesuck, has opened his eyes to a whole new world of people hungry for hope and inspiration. This story known as “I’ll Push You” has opened many doors for both Patrick and Justin to share their thoughts on faith, friendship, and love. Patrick’s new found passion is public speaking, inspiring others to live their lives more fully regardless of the limitations they might face.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx