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Justin Skeesuck & Patrick Gray    

Inspirational Adventurers; Lifelong Friends; Known For Completing The 500-Mile Pilgrimage On The Camino de Santiago

Two best friends, Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray, walked The Way of St. James, more commonly known as the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile epic pilgrimage across the vast terrain of northern Spain. What is unique about this journey is the fact that Skeesuck was pushed in a wheelchair by Gray and others the entire way.

Born a little over 36 hours apart in the same town and in the same hospital, they have grown up together, traveled together and navigated many of life’s challenges together. Over the past 20+ years, a progressive neuromuscular disease has slowly taken away Skeesuck’s ability to use of his arms and legs. From each morning until night, he requires daily assistance in almost every aspect of daily life.

Though immensely challenging, Skeesuck's disease has never decreased his capacity to live life to the fullest and he has maintains a positive attitude through it all. In the spring of 2012, Skeesuck asked Gray what he thought about tackling the Camino. Gray’s response was simple and direct: “I’ll push you.”

Two years later, they started their journey and had no idea how they would make the 500 miles from France to the Cathedral of Santiago; over several mountain ranges like the Pyrenees, through rivers and across the vast desert of Spain called the Meseta. Through it all, Skeesuck and Gray had to rely on the help and strength of friends, acquaintances and even complete strangers in order to navigate the many challenges they faced on their 34-day journey.

Since returning from Spain, they have used their heartfelt storytelling to share the comical details of their journey; the joys, the struggles, the beautiful relationships, and the lessons they learned in faith, hope, love and friendship. Together they speak on the power of community and relationships in accomplishing seemingly impossible tasks, the importance of self-leadership and its impact on company results, faith, friendship, and what it takes to overcome the limitations life has given you. Their goal is that people will walk away recognizing that each life is not defined by its limitations, but is defined by what is accomplished in spite of those limitations.

A husband and father of three children, Skeesuck looks at every new chapter of life as a challenge to be conquered. Professionally, he is called “The Disabled Traveler,” who teaches and encourages individuals with limited mobility to travel anywhere they choose. Additionally, he consults with tourism-centric and health care organizations to bring greater access to the disabled community.

Gray is also a husband and father of three children. A registered nurse and former health care administration director, he uses his skill sets and expertise to assist Skeesuck in traveling and with the many aspects of The Disabled Traveler.

Skeesuck and Gray have been featured and interviewed on NBC, ABC, Fox & Friends, The Huffington Post, People.com, The Meredith Vieira Show and worldwide news media outlets, and recently delivered a TEDx Talk.

Both Skeesuck and Gray are based out of the Boise, Idaho area.

Speech Topics


Leadership: Leading Through Vulnerability

Justin and Patrick draw on their work and life experiences, delving into what they believe is the most important attribute of an effective leader: vulnerability. Learn how being vulnerable aided them on their 500 mile journey through Spain and how it can bring strength to your team or business, create loyalty within your workforce, and can generate greatness where stagnancy once prevailed.

The Power of Community: The Importance of Community in Creating Successful Lives

With the increase in technology, our societies have become increasingly socially isolated. Join Justin and Patrick as they share stories and observations on the impact healthy relationships lead to community, and how a healthy community can take you places you never thought possible.

Pushing Beyond Limitations: Limitations Should Never Define You

We live in a society that is quick to point out the limitations individuals possess. But what if limits did not define an individual? What if there was a way to push beyond limitations. Justin and Patrick teach and share how they have defied perceived limitations and achieved what many said was impossible.

Faith in Action: Relying on What You Cannot See

Many thought they were foolish for attempting to walk 500 miles along the Camino de Santiago with Justin living life from a wheelchair. Some even told them they couldn’t accomplish it. For Justin and Patrick, the trek was something they had to do. Knowing full well that they could not be successful on their own, they set out with one wheelchair and two backpacks. Their faith was rewarded as they navigated the vast terrain of Spain, and they continue to take each step of life in faith. Join them as they explore moving from a posture of fear to standing triumphant in faith.

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