Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray
Inspirational Adventurers, Lifelong Friends and Achievers of the Impossible
Born a little over 36 hours apart, Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray have been blessed with a lifelong friendship. Their lives have been intertwined for 40 years and have brought them many adventures—most notably, their recent 500-mile trek across the vast terrain of Spain. Justin, who lives with a progressive neuromuscular disease and manages life from a power wheelchair, had the urge to tackle the Camino de Santiago or Way of St. James. When asked, Patrick responded with “I’ll push you!”
Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray are with a unique friendship that spans over 47 years. 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.
Their friendship has taken them on many adventures together; most notably their 500-mile wheelchair journey across the vast terrain of northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago.
What began as an impossible journey between two best friends evolved into one of the most powerful representations of what humanity can accomplish when we come together. Through the help of friends and strangers alike, Justin and Patrick accomplished what many said couldn’t be done.
As best-selling authors and highly sought-after keynote speakers, Justin and Patrick use their experiences and adventures as backdrops to which they explore concepts such as leadership, teamwork, relationship, and the power of the human collective.
They have been featured on many news media outlets spanning across the globe reaching over 600 million homes including The Today Show, The Meredith Vieira Show, “Harry” with Harry Connick Jr., New York Times, and TEDx.
Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray are with a unique friendship that spans over 47 years. 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.
Their friendship has taken them on many adventures together; most notably their 500-mile wheelchair journey across the vast terrain of northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago.
What began as an impossible journey between two best friends evolved into one of the most powerful representations of what humanity can accomplish when we come together. Through the help of friends and strangers alike, Justin and Patrick accomplished what many said couldn’t be done.
As best-selling authors and highly sought-after keynote speakers, Justin and Patrick use their experiences and adventures as backdrops to which they explore concepts such as leadership, teamwork, relationship, and the power of the human collective.
They have been featured on many news media outlets spanning across the globe reaching over 600 million homes including The Today Show, The Meredith Vieira Show, “Harry” with Harry Connick Jr., New York Times, and TEDx.
Featured Videos
Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray
Speaking Reel 2022
Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray’s Speech Topics
I’ll Push You: 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair
Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray are lifelong friends with a hunger for adventure. Despite a debilitating disease taking away most of Justin's ability to move, the two live without reservation.
Their incredible wheelchair journey, known as I’ll Push You, is a testament to this.
They tackled the impossible — a 500-mile pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago through Spain — Patrick pushing Justin in a wheelchair. While Patrick, and others, physically pushed Justin the distance, Justin pushed Patrick, mentally and emotionally, beyond fear and insecurity, into a whole new world of joy and freedom. And now, they partner with businesses and organizations around the globe, equipping them with the tools to do the same.
Using powerful, emotional, and often hilarious storytelling, the two use their unique insights to help individuals and teams discover their full potential.
Justin and Patrick customize content for each client. Common themes include:
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Overcoming Challenges
- Service
- Inclusion Mindset
Imprints: The Evidence Our Lives Leave Behind
Following their bestselling memoir, I’ll Push You, Justin and Patrick wrote Imprints: The Evidence Our Lives Leave Behind – a collection of narrative essays illustrating the power each person has to change someone else’s life.
Powerful change is often influenced by the little things we do each day. Each story in Imprints shows how our choices can profoundly impact the future of others.
Using these stories as a foundation, Justin and Patrick open audience members’ eyes to the potential we all possess. Their storytelling invites conference attendees into a conversation about purpose and challenges everyone to evaluate their roles and responsibilities as team members, leaders, parents, partners, and friends.
Justin and Patrick customize this content for each client. Common themes include:
- Servant Leadership
- Compassion
- Living with Purpose
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.
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.
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.
What other organizations say about Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray
Over the span of my career I have had the opportunity to hear many nationally known speakers and none of them were or are inspirational as Justin and Patrick. They not only inspired us, they moved us. Their easy way with each other and the participants in our conference have earned them a special place in all our hearts. We continue to benefit from the lessons of the road they shared with us. St. Joseph Health gives them two thumbs up!!!
Health Care
Works by Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray
Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray
Imprints: The Evidence Our Lives Leave Behind
Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray
I'll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair
Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray Topics & Types
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