Justin and Patrick's inspirational journey. I turn on the television and begin flipping through the channels until I see European travel guru Rick Steves on PBS. "I. No matter how big or small, such difficulties are overcome because of the strength we draw from one another. Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray are best friends who hiked the 500-mile pilgrimage across northern Spain call the Camino de Santiago. Such a great statement! 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. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. When Marcus moved next door to John, they knew instantly they'd be friends. When he was first diagnosed, Justin received care from the San Diego MDA Care Center, part of a network of over 150 multidisciplinary clinics across the country. College No schools to show High school No schools to show Photos See all photos Others Named Justin Skeesuck See more Others With a Similar Name Matea Zlatar How does it feel? he asked as I walked around the doctors office. 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 Ill Push You, lives with MAMA. All of their life they have never said "I'm not big enough" or "I'm not tall enough". MyLife aggregates publicly available information from government, social, and other sources, plus personal reviews written by others. He and Patrick also speak at events across the country, sharing their message of hope, community, and vulnerability. Just enter your name and BEST email address below and you can start watching now. This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The regional conference is a favorite event for speakers because its big on heart, and this year was no exception. MDA also supports research on myasthenia gravis (MG) which, like MAMA, is also an autoimmune disease, so learnings from research into the disease processes of MG and therapeutic strategies for the disease could also potentially be helpful to scientists studying MAMA. In spite of this, I strive to live a life of adventure and make the most of every day. After Kirstin pauses to gather her thoughts, she drives home a concept that is missing in so many marriages. With the progression of my disease, especially in my arms, Ive had to adapt. Charlotte, B. They also collaborated with emota, a San Diego-based video agency, to tell their story. She pulls a magazine out of her purse and begins to thumb through the pages to pass the time. And still no diagnosis I can depend on. Skeesuck is confined to a wheelchair. I now use voice dictation and even an eyeball tracker to do things., Justin has also had to make shifts in how he communicates. This means there are two decisions that must be made in order for it to work. Best friends their whole lives, they grew up together, went to school together, and were best man in each other . Sometimes the toe of my cleats caught the ground as I ran, causing me to stumble. Most recently, Skeesuck successfully completed The Way of St. James, more commonly known as the Camino de Santiagoa 500-mile epic pilgrimage across the vast terrain of northern Spain, in a specialized wheelchair. Thus began a journey that would require far more than either of them could have imagined. The things I don't have the ability to do because Im not a man. Justin Skeesuck and Dr. Jim Johnson get honest about what it's really like to live life, raise a family, and travel the world with a progressive neuromuscular disease. Their childhood adventures and shared interests have made for many moments of laughter, joy, and treasured memories. "I'll push you," Patrick said. In 2012, he learned about the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile trail in Spain, and he asked his friend Gray what he thought about taking it on. These cookies do not store any personal information. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. When the weakness spread from my left leg to my right, Patrick purchased a four-foot slab of purpleheart wood and spent hours in his garage with a jigsaw and hand sanding tools, fashioning a beautiful cane. What an adventure! Our best guess is that the disease was dormant throughout your childhood, and that it may have been awakened by your car accident.. We will never sell your information, for any reason. Although the exact cause for the disease is unknown, its suspected that MAMA may be an autoimmune disease, meaning the individuals immune system attacks the bodys own tissues. It was a brief moment, but time stood still. Justin Skeesuck currently lives in Eagle, ID; in the past Justin has also lived in San Diego CA, El Cajon CA and Meridian ID. bio for Justin Skeesuck agency, manager, speaker fees, speaking agency entertainment booking agency, speaker's fee, how to book, booking agencies for lectures, speaking event, celebrity appearances for hire, who is agent, manager, publicist, who represents, speakers bureau management who represents Justin Skeesuck. These are questions we get asked in a group setting and often in one-on-one conversations, questions that involve the real heroes in our story. Jan 23, 2022 Eagle-based award-winning filmmakers Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck are having a virtual screening of their feature-length film, "I'll Push You," through Jan. 30, in partnership. . Ultimately at the beginning it was a fear of something bad happening because of so many distractions and moving parts because its a dangerous trek over the Pyrenees. Nothing is impossible.. Muscular Dystrophy Association National Office. Held each fall, this award-winning program gives students opportunities to learn about the Constitutions of the United States and Pennsylvania through fun and informative learning activities. Hiking this ancient pilgrimage along the vast terrain is challenging enough for the able-bodied. 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.. Justin Skeesuck (97) Overcoming Adversity: The Life and Travels of Justin Skeesuck. "Justin Skeesuckdesigner, motivational speaker, and seasoned travelerand best friend Patrick Gray completed the five hundred-mile 'Way of St James' journey in northern Spain. 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. Now I use my creativity in a new way. SITE Young Leaders Conference 9:00am-5:30pm. Event Design Summit 4:00-7:00pm . 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. Dont smother it in should. Dont make it some sort of spiritual competition with others. Their journey is a brilliant metaphor for the lives they have been blessed to live. Their friendship has taken them on many adventures together; most notably their 500-mile . But overall I had a weird peace that I knew it was going to work out.. I'll Push You provides insight into what it means to live for one another, what it means to overcome limitations, and . It didnt move. As I stood up and took a few steps with the brace securely fastened across the front of my lower leg with a Velcro strap, the aluminum hinges on each side of my ankle squeaked. Meet two amazing friends behind the book and documentary "I'll Push You" and find out how this incredible story became an award-winning film. On a bright summer morning, the two of us are sitting on the Skeesucks back patio. Theselifelong friends tackled the impossible, a 500-mile pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago through Spain, one pushing the other in a wheelchair. Well, today we have a little bit of both.. Invalid password or account does not exist. Were raised to be independent in this culture. He pauses for a moment before continuing. When we were living in San Diego and you would come down to help, you provided a break, a respite that no one else was able to give me at the time. Since the very beginning weve been best friends. By his mid-20s, he was using a wheelchair full-time. A remarkable beauty exists in their relationship. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. It's so very important, on so many levels, that everyone go watch this film and learn about Justin and Patrick's story. During that time, Ive endured an unending series of muscle biopsies, MRIs, blood tests, and various other forms of poking, probing, and prodding. This isnt the first time Ive been told Im going to die. I would be satisfied at this point just to have a name for what I have. Today we start a two-part series titled From the Wives. That's exactly what he did pushing Skeesuck, whom he has known all his life across northern Spain's Camino de Santiago trail. Just as Ive lost strength in my body but have discovered a freedom I didnt know when I could walk, Patrick had to lose the strength in his legs in order to discover the freedom that exists in resting in the strength of others. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Now, Skeesuck and Gray are releasing a documentary about their trek, aptly titled I'll Push You. Because the list of things I can do on my own is so much shorter than the list of those I cant, I have to acknowledge my limitations, allowing others to step in and do those things for me. It feels great. And looking back, Im so glad we did. Jason just smiled and put the truck in gear. He jerked the wheel hard to the left, trying to get us back onto the roadway, but overcorrected, sending the truck into a 180-degree spin. Spotlight: Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray, By IDAHO PRESS STAFF what strengths do they have? Five Ways to Start Relying on Gods Promises, 16 years 10 months 20 days 7 hours 29 minutes. Stay connected and learn about the latest news and events in our community! As we continue down the hall, Kirstin and Jennifer slow their gait to allow me to keep up. It was at this point when life became immensely difficult for him. I think this journey is a motivation for them to say, hey, I have this great idea and be strong and figure out a way to get out there and do it. Not just family and close friends but the community all around you, we need to be open and look for those opportunities that are right in front of us. Justin Skeesuck is 47 years old today because Justin's birthday is on 07/12/1975. Faculty Host: Dr, Jim Johnson. FILM SYNOPSIS. This is one of the most inspiring stories of altruistic love you'll ever see. Addressing everything from etiquette to increased access, he empowers individuals and organizations to position themselves in a way that will increase their reach into the disabled community. Skeesuck, who has Multifocal Acquired Motor Axonopathy, a. This brace provided the support needed to maintain a relatively normal level of activity. We know the future is unknown so lets live now. I wonder if I could do that in my wheelchair. Its just a fact now, I need other people to do just about anything., We realized this was going to take more than the two of us, he continues. See Two best friends, 500 miles, one wheelchair, and the challenge of a lifetime. * The other websites referenced on this site are owned and operated by their respective companies, and the associated trademarks and logos are the property of those companies. Lot 83 also was assigned to him. Eagle-based award-winning filmmakers Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck are having a virtual screening of their feature-length film, Ill Push You, through Jan. 30, in partnership with Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). As the sun climbed a little higher in the sky, the glare from the east intensified. Patrick Gray, Justin Skeesuck. Working his way from head to toe, he checks my eyes, listens to my heart and lungs, checks my blood pressure, tests my reflexes, and probes for any pain in my joints. His white lab coat hangs loosely over a tweed sport coat, and his salt-and-pepper hair is combed neatly. I face challenge after challenge as this disease continues to take more of my ability to use my body. Kirstin has come prepared for the wait. (Page 8) This will greatly help you "weed out" the things in your business that don't serve you well and shift your focus . And as I watch the images of hundreds of pilgrims trekking along this ancient pathway, a thought occurs to me. By using our site, you agree to our use of cookies. Despite the many challenges of a progressive neuromuscular disease robbing Justin of the use of his arms and legs, the two seek to live life without reservation. I am so thankful for that. The screening is to raise funds to send 500 kids to MDAs Summer Camp, a place where children living with neuromuscular diseases are able to ask for and receive help and feel empowered. Im just hoping that when he gets here he has some answers this time.. Looking out through the fractured windshield, I could see multiple vehicles stopped in the distance and many people running toward us to help. We just really enjoy spending time together and talking with each other and laughing a lot. they had a son Henry who removed to Wisconsin. He is the type of person that will achieve what he wants to do. Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck are lifelong best friends, authors, and the stars of an award-winning documentary. They have co-authored a memoir titled Ill Push You, and have an award-winning documentary of the same title. While most people attempt this epic journey on foot, Justin traveled the entire distance in his wheelchair, pushed by Patrick (and others). 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. This disease doesnt affect your sensory nerves, just your ability to move. But living this way requires utter vulnerability. We spend a ton of time together and we have always had a routine of making time for each other through the years. You have permission to edit this article. Its sobering for me. I couldnt help but wonder, I hope theyre okay, I hope he didnt fall off a cliff! It doesnt do any good to worry about it, but its kinda hard not to.. Treasure Valley residents can support MDA by attending the virtual screening at illpushyou.com/mda. Because we were running late, Jason put some extra weight to the gas pedal. 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. His lap belt was secure, but the shoulder strap was hanging loose. In this gripping interview, Justin shares his story and what it's like to travel the world in a wheelchair. This was about 60% of all the recorded Skeesuck's in USA. For 35 days, Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray travel mountains, valleys, and muddy roads made even more difficult by Justin's paralysis due to a degenerative neurological disease. Or MAMA for short., Its similar in many respects to ALS. Now they are working together, sharing words of hope and faith as they share the message that we can achieve more together. Justin Skeesuck Biography. You know? By putting his disability at the forefront, he admits, I have to be more vulnerable and honest about my challenges.. The doctor finally walks in and takes a seat on the rolling stool. She knows I want to get there on my own, even if it takes me a while. AAE Named to Inc. Best Workplaces in 2022. It was no different out there on the trail. Sign up for a new subscription today and get home delivery or digital-only access for only $10/month!. Smiling, she closes the door softly. He inspires and instructs People with Disabilities (PwD) how to successfully navigate and overcome the many challenges they are faced in their lives and when traveling. A few months shy of my sixteenth birthday, I was still too young to drive, but Jason had recently gotten his license, and he was eager to get his well-traveled truck out on the freeway. to see possibly who they are and full class lists found from school records and public sources. ** But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control. How has this journey impacted your children? To try to go through life alone, I just don't know how people do it. Justin Skeesuck and his life-long friend Patrick Gray were resting in a cafe in Spain, as the sun started to dip toward the horizon. I think I can still play tennis with no problem.. Ive lost count. Their journey is a brilliant metaphor for the lives these two menareblessed to live. Please Note: All American Speakers Bureau is a full-service talent booking agency providing information on booking Justin Skeesuck for speaking engagements, personal appearances and corporate events. By definition an amazing accomplishment, but considering Justin requires a wheelchair for mobility makes the feat even more astounding.. I hope they learn that and achieve not only what they want to get out of life, but help others achieve what they want to do too.. 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 . Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. . When I invite others into everything I am, no weakness is too great to overcome. Often its coffee dates or something in the middle of the day, and several times a month its a night out, but we continue to prioritize that one-on-one time together. Justin and Patrick had to rely on the help and strength of friends . For each other through the fractured windshield, I could do that my... Disability at the forefront, he was using a wheelchair full-time strength of friends us are sitting the. Agree to our use of cookies we can achieve more together strengths they! 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