Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray have been lifelong friends from the time they were born in the same hospital two days apart to appearing on 100 Huntley together. Their childhood consisted of many adventures, and they lived the normal life of any little boys. However, at age sixteen Justin was involved in a car accident that changed his life forever. He survived without any serious injuries and everything seemed normal until six months later when he felt a weakness in his left foot. It took many years, but finally a diagnosis was reached. Like ALS, Justin had acquired a rare neurological disease, triggered by that car accident. At first, this disease didn't seem to affect their friendship or Justin's family life. The disease progressed so slow that Justin continued working as a graphic designer, providing for his family and actively participating in life. However, when the disease began to affect his hands, Justin's life and the life of his family was changed forever. He could no longer provide for his family as a graphic designer. It was at this stage that the seriousness of the disease hit Patrick. Through it all, Justin always kept a positive attitude, never losing his temper or bemoaning his situation.

One day Justin was watching Rick Steves do a segment on the El Camino de Santiage trip in Spain, an incredibly hard journey of thirty-five days and 500 miles of mountains, rivers and deserts. Justin watched Rick on his television and instinctively felt that he needed to go on this trip, or at the very least attempt it. Justin called Patrick and told him about the journey, and Patrick agreed, saying, "I'll push you."

It just seemed like another childhood adventure to them. Neither of them realized the intense struggle this was going to be, both physically and spiritually.

The first day of their journey was like a bucket of cold water to their faces. Uphill climbing to cross the Pyrenees Mountain Range in one day. Justin had a special off-road wheelchair, but Patrick still felt the strain of that day. He had never been so depleted in his entire life, and while Justin was being pulled up the mountain range he felt humbled to have others suffer on his behalf.  

Every day the two friends had someone being helping hands and feet for them. Even on a desolate walking path in the north of Spain more than 100 people helped Patrick push Justin, sometimes helping out for only a day but others would stay by the friend's side for a week or two. They felt their faith in humanity restored by the simple task of pushing a wheelchair across the landscape of Spain.

Along with the physical journey there was also a spiritual pilgrimage. For Justin, it was simply a reassurance for the journey that he's already been on and a confirmation that he was on the right path. Patrick's journey was a little more soul searing. Before this journey he hadn't been the husband or father that he should have been, being wrapped up in work had stolen all his time. When Patrick witnessed Justin living with almost no control over his body it taught Patrick to let God have more control over his life and let of his personal perception of safety. It was the desire to have control that had kept him so distant from his family, and over this journey Patrick felt himself being molded into a new and better husband and father.

The two friends have written a book about their journey, visit our eStore to get your copy of "I'll Push You"

Another exciting event is a film about this incredible story! Don't miss it when it comes out Fall 2017. For more information, check out this website:  https://www.illpushyou.com/