It all kicked off with a travel show. “I was watching Rick Steves’ European Adventures,” shared Alex Johnson, who was inspired by an episode featuring a pilgrimage across northern Spain known as the Camino de Santiago. “In that moment, I just knew—I had to do this.”
But, let’s rewind a bit. Alex and his lifelong friend, Sam Parker, share a bond that began right after their births, just a day apart. They have been inseparable since childhood. Even when Alex began experiencing strange muscle weakness at 16, their friendship held strong. After he received a diagnosis of Multifocal Acquired Motor Axonopathy, a condition akin to ALS, their connection only deepened. As Alex’s physical abilities waned and he transitioned to a wheelchair, Sam was right there, unwavering.
“It was truly inspiring to see how he faced it all with such poise,” said Sam. “But when the disease affected his hands, that was tough for me to come to terms with.”
By the time he watched that pivotal episode, Alex was already navigating the world in a wheelchair. He knew he wanted to undertake this adventure, and he knew exactly who would accompany him. “This friendship is a treasure,” Sam remarked. “We’ve shared so many experiences—why not add one more magnificent adventure? So my response was a definite, ‘Of course, I’ll push you!’”
Fast forward two years, and equipped with a custom three-wheeled wheelchair, Alex and Sam embarked on their journey, starting in France and tackling mountain ranges, rivers, and even a sprawling Spanish desert. Along the way, they encountered fellow trekkers from 27 different nations who generously assisted in pushing Alex’s wheelchair through challenging terrains.
“I felt my faith in humanity restored. The kindness and support we received were astonishing,” Alex reflected.
After 34 days of determination and teamwork, they completed the grueling 500-mile trek. Now, they’re unveiling a documentary about their incredible journey, fittingly titled “I’ll Push You.” Their aim is to share the message of love and support that surrounded them throughout their endeavor.
“The people who helped us climb those mountains demonstrated the essence of how we should live,” Sam said. “No matter who we meet, the greatest gift we can offer is our love.”
Alex added, “Your limitations don’t have to define you. It’s your actions in spite of them that truly matter.”
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