Jared Leone, Cox Media Group National Content Desk Justin Skeesuck was struck with the idea to trek Spain's Camino de Santiago trail after watching a travel show about the pilgrimage route. This time theres no known life expectancy, but the prognosis feels different; it feels more real. Every time we speak, we take questions at the end of a talk. But he hasnt lost his essence of being a designer., I was made to be a designer, I was made to be a creative individual, says Justin. Now, Skeesuck and Gray are releasing a documentary about their trek, aptly titled I'll Push You. Before we left St. Jean Pied de Port and ascended the Pyrenees Mountains, I had accepted my limits and embraced the fact that to make the pilgrimage I needed help. At the age of 18, his condition worsened and required foot orthotics to aid him while walking. As we continue down the hall, Kirstin and Jennifer slow their gait to allow me to keep up. This year the AIGA San Diego Y Design Conference celebrated its twentieth anniversary. Now John and Marcus do almost everything together. Doctors were baffled for many years, and after extensive testing, Skeesuck was finally diagnosed with a rare progressive autoimmune/neuromuscular disease called Multifocal Acquired Motor Axonopathy or MAMA for short. Faculty Host: Dr, Jim Johnson. When they were fifteen years old, a car accident triggered a dormant disease in . Whatever I have is so rare, they arent sure it even has a name. Spend time with them, talk to them, get to know them, be friends with them. View Justin Skeesuck's record in Eagle, ID including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. I think just having a close friend impacts anybody. Overcoming life&squot;s challenges requires acknowledging our weaknesses, inviting others into our story, and embracing the fact that we . Justin Skeesuck (97) Overcoming Adversity: The Life and Travels of Justin Skeesuck. But for some reason the right trip hasnt revealed itself yet. Now I use my creativity in a new way. I'm thankful for the trust both she and Justin placed in me. Among the many varied speakers and presentations, one individual storyan amazing tale of bravery, friendship, and hopeleft a lasting impression that few attendees will soon forget. In a nutshell, 17 years in and they are still dating each other. Get started today before this once in a lifetime opportunity expires. Led by Justin and Patrick from the award-winning book and film, I'll Push You, these disability-friendly group trips are on the last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago. Justin has a degenerative disease that has slowly taken away his ability to use his body. MDA funds research on several diseases affecting motor neurons such as ALS, spinal muscular atrophy and Charcot-Marie-Toothdisease, and gaining a better understanding of how motor neurons function and stay healthy may also lead to a better understanding of MAMA. As my feet touched the ground, several people approached me. I said to myself, This is going to suck, but Im going to make the best of this.'. To continue reading Justin and Patricks story, you can purchase Ill Push You wherever books are sold. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. For a split second, we were facing west, with traffic speeding toward usuntil we slid onto the median and began to roll. He ruptured some discs in his back. Since moving to San Diego, Ive often sat here alone, waiting for answers. In spite of this, I strive to live a life of adventure and make the most of every day. At the age of 16, Skeesuck was involved in a car accident that triggered a dormant disease in his body. He developed a progressive neuromuscular disease that started to immobilize his arms and legs and slowly has been paralyzing his body. As far as him being gone for over a month, there was so much letting go on my part. The challenge? Their journey is a brilliant metaphor for the lives these two menareblessed to live. Taking on all of life's adventures together, the two best friends would face the journey of their lives when Justin received news that his body was slowly degenerating due to a progressive neuromuscular disease. Its the same set of skills, just used in a new way. By the time I get to my feet, with my leg braces and cane keeping me upright, Kirstin is already at the door. AIGA encourages thoughtful, responsible discourse. "When you deny someone the opportunity to help, you deny them joy," Skeesuck said he learned. At the endof the day, I couldn't have asked for a better woman to take my best friend's hand in marriage. Whether you walk or roll, we want YOU to join us! Now Justin dedicates his life to supporting others and inspiring people with disabilities to keep living their lives to the full. Movie More Info "I'll Push You: A Real-Life Inspiration" comes to cinemas for one night on November 2 to tell the story of two lifelong friends, Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray, embarking on an epic, 500-mile-long journey to hike Spain's famed El Camino de Santiago. I shouted, My friend is still trapped! With a collective effort, the assembled onlookers were able to heave the truck up high enough for Jason to pull himself back into the cab and release his seatbelt. I cant help but think some of that has come from watching their dads life. His lap belt was secure, but the shoulder strap was hanging loose. Smiling, she closes the door softly. While there are a myriad of questions we have the pleasure of answering, there is a type of question that seems to come up more often than most. But considering the severity of the accident, his injuries could have been much worse. Born in the same small town just a few days apart, Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray have been blessed with a unique relationship. Born just over 36 hours apart, Justin Skeesuck & Patrick Gray are life-long friends with a rich, deep relationship that spans beyond 40 years. Hes lost use of his feet, then legs, then his arms. What information about Justin are you looking for? government sources. He thought he was going to push me the whole way, and it became apparent on the first day he wouldnt be able to., Justin also had to learn to let go. Even with our sunglasses on, the rising sun made us squint as it filled the gap between the pickups sun visors and the mountains in the distance. No matter how much help Patrick offers me, he cant help me if I refuse it. For one of my fitting appointments, Patrick went with me. Because MyLife only collects this data and does not create it, we cannot fully guarantee its accuracy. Justin is required to use a motorised wheelchair following a terrible car accident when he was 16 and the onset of a debilitating neuromuscular disease. Justin and I have always been really good friends. The first word I thought of is funny because he just is. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Four months later, at the beginning of my junior year, I was running down the soccer field during a game when I noticed that my left foot wasnt moving normally. But not long after graduation, I could feel it spreading to more muscles in my lower leg. When I was in high school, my best friend, Patrick Gray, used to come with me to a lot of my appointments, but the distance between his home in Idaho and mine in Southern California makes that a little difficult now. Contact an All American Speakers Bureau booking agent for more information on Justin Skeesuck speaking fees, availability, speech topics and cost to hire for your next live or virtual event. "We'll figure it out." Charlotte, B. Now, Justin would never be able to climb Giottos tower, he would never be able to walk Cinque Terre or around Pompeii like we did then. I have a friend who sums up the Lords Prayer this way: Simply pray, and pray simply. Dont overcomplicate it. You guys might have thought this was going to be a journey between just you two. Enjoy life with them. In 2014, lifelong friends Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray did the impossibletogether they tackled a 500-mile pilgrimage through Spain known as the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James. How has this journey impacted your children? We have helped each other in many ways. It follows Marcus and his friend, John, who uses a wheelchair, throughout their many adventures together. MAMA typically starts in the hands. And in 2018, they released a best-selling children's book . He pauses for a moment before continuing. (Page 8) This will greatly help you "weed out" the things in your business that don't serve you well and shift your focus . The things I don't have the ability to do because Im not a man. We all needed each other in different ways, to support each other in all of this. When I choose pride over vulnerability, I find that relying on my own strength makes me weak. Since returning from Spain, Patrick and Justin have begun careers as professional speakers and authors. A lot of the preparation leading up to the trip was pretty stressful. NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), alongside Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray, announced a fundraiser launching today and running through January 30 . This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. I would be satisfied at this point just to have a name for what I have. Seriously though, youre moving pretty well. To learn more about their books, film and speaking availability, visit illpushyou.com. Skeesucks journey began in his teenage years when a disease was unknowingly triggered after he survived a rollover car accident. Design is much more than a professional set of skills it takes to get a job, says Ron. Why were you okay with the two of us taking this journey? Their childhood adventures and shared interests make for many moments of laughter, joy, and shared memories. At first glance, this story appears to be an adventure tackling a physical challenge in order to fulfill the dream of a man who lives life from a wheelchair. This profile was gathered from multiple public and Justin Skeesuck, who shared his experience of being pushed in a wheelchair by his best friend Patrick Gray 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago in the book and film I'll Push You, lives with MAMA. Justin Skeesuck Category : Arts & Humanities, Business Growth, Communication Speakers, Creativity Speakers, Disability, Leadership Speakers, Teamwork and Teambuilding Booking Fee Range : Live Event: $20,000 - $30,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact Travels From : Boise, ID, USA See Similar Speakers More About Justin Skeesuck Justin Skeesuck Biography It was already viewed He is the type of person that will achieve what he wants to do. I had to adapt and learn to use new tools. Don't leave yet. Lifelong friends Justin Skeesuck & Patrick Gray use their adventures together to explore the concepts of leadership, teamwork, & the power of the human collective. I wonder if I could do that in my wheelchair. . We know the future is unknown so lets live now. AAE is one of the premier celebrity booking agencies and top keynote speakers bureaus in the world. Listen in and youll be reminded of the value of close friendships, and inspired to embrace the adventures God has for your life. And still no diagnosis I can depend on. Sure, I havent been there yet. All right, I say. Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck, the author and illustrator of this book, based its story on their own friendship. To learn more about having Justin and Patrick speak at your upcoming live or virtual event, click the button below! I'll Push Youprovides insight into what it means to live for one another, what it means to overcome limitations, and what it means to push one another toward who we eachlong to be. I'll Push You provides insight into what it means to live for one another, what it means to overcome limitations, and . For the past few years, Patrick and I have been looking for the perfect guy trip that we could do together. Its sobering for me. Not knowing how things would turn out, but knowing they would be okay. As they continued to hold the truck off the ground, Jason was able to crawl out the drivers side window. It was a brief moment, but time stood still. EAGLEEagle-based award-winning filmmakers, Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray, are having a virtual screening of their feature-length film, Ill Push You, through Jan. 30, in partnership with Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Sunday October 15. See Though my symptoms are similar to those of some well-known diseasessuch as ALSthey dont perfectly align with any of them. You have a different perspective, and a different history, so having that friendship fills those needs that I cant and so he is more complete. I shifted my feet and straddled his body while pushing against the passenger door above me. So I might as well jump on board and support those things from the beginning. Via Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray. Just enter your name and BEST email address below and you can start watching now. When Justin Skeesuck was 16, a car accident triggered a rare progressive autoimmune/neuromuscular disease that eventually robbed him of the use of his limbs. When all those needs are met, Justin and I are stronger on our part (marriage) and you have a stronger friendship on your part. Justin and Patrick had to rely on the help and strength of friends . He makes me laugh a lot. At fifteen years of age, a car accident triggered a dormant disease in Justin's body resulting in a life . What an adventure! To watch their . Fast forward a couple of years. Justin has to ask them for help all the time. As I listen to Kirstin, the realization that she placed complete trust in me, completely let go of control and allowed me to step in to do so much of her role for so long; this is a humbling thing. You know? When I was originally diagnosed with ALS, the doctor told me I had four years to live. It was at this point when life became immensely difficult for him. We didnt know this was in our future, we just did it because we wanted to and Why not? We have really always lived this way, but now we are a little more careful to not let the kids, the money, or other things get in the way of living because we know that we don't know.. It all started with three little words. As Jason struggled for control, I could see we were rapidly approaching a concrete support pillar of an overpass. Im usually a pretty upbeat person. Copyright 2023 All American Speakers Bureau. Invalid password or account does not exist. Just as neither could have accomplished the rigorous trek on his own, their successes in life are largely attributed to the way they have pushed each other, and the way they have allowed others to push them. SITE Young Leaders Conference 9:00am-5:30pm. At age 15, a car accident triggered a dormant neuromuscular disease in Justins body, leaving him confined to a wheelchair, and though life led the two friends down different paths, their childhood friendship has not only survived but thrived in their adult years. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Additionally, Skeesuck is one of the worlds foremost accessibility and marketing consultants, providing organizations with insight to uniquely position themselves to not only capture but also greatly serve the disabled community. Many individuals affected by MAMA respond to a treatment called intravenous immunoglobulin, or IVIg, which is thought to work by dampening the individuals immune system and slowing the progression of the disease. So what does Rick have for the world of channel surfers and public broadcast junkies today? Which is why Justin was misdiagnosed the first time around., Turning to me, he continues, Your immune system is attacking your nervous system, and your motor nerves are shutting down. You can transform our nation one family at a time! [], **Guest post from Tyndale House Publishers author Erin Smalley. Their lives have been intertwined for 40 years and have brought them many adventures - most notably, their 500-mile trek across the vast terrain of Spain. So many thoughts are racing through my mind. Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray are best friends who hiked the 500-mile pilgrimage across northern Spain call the Camino de Santiago. Then many many other people have come alongside us and supported us through the years. When he was no longer able to work as a graphic designer, he left San Diego and moved back to his hometown in Idaho with his wife and three kids. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile. His lifelong best friend, Patrick Gray, along with many other friends, acquaintances and even strangers, pushed Justin for 34 days over mountains, through rivers and even across a desert called the Meseta. 805.965.1400. info@bigspeak.com. They want to spread the message of love and support they encountered so much during their journey. They have a confidence about them where they say, I want to go do this. and where the world might say, but youve never done that before. They are not afraid to jump in and try. Thats one of the reasons youve been so difficult to diagnose. He has a way of just reverse engineering things to make them happen. Five Ways to Start Relying on Gods Promises, 16 years 10 months 20 days 7 hours 29 minutes. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. The Skeesuck family name was found in the USA in 1880. EAGLE, Idaho When Patrick Gray requested six weeks off work for a trip to Spain, his boss had one condition for him: Take a film crew with you. What is one word you would use to describe Justin? They travel together, live life together through its ups and downs, and most importantly, will do anything for each other. Its taking longer than normal, Kirstin says after a while, as she replaces the magazine in her purse. This brace provided the support needed to maintain a relatively normal level of activity. You'll hear: How people in other cultures see disabled travelers; What it was like to hike over 500 miles on the Camino De Santiago in a wheelchair; When Justin lost the use of his legs and how he dealt with it No matter the challenges they face, they all have immense potential to succeed., Please disable your ad blocker, whitelist our site, or purchase a subscription. Originally diagnosed with ALS and given four years to live, Justin and his doctors cycled through several more diagnoses before landing on MAMA. Gradually, his career declined as an autoimmune disease triggered by a car accident progressed over the years, causing Justin to lose the use of his legs and, more recently, his arms. 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