As Gabriel lay on the street paralyzed, he just knew something was wrong. It was October 17, 1992 and his car had just been T-boned. Gabriel flew out of the car and fractured his spine at the T6 level. He somehow knew this happened for a reason.

So at 22 years old he found himself at NYU rehab center with other adults with spinal cord injury like himself. He then chose to spend a lot of time in the pediatric ward with children ages 3 to 18 with all sorts of disabilities. Doing so humbled and inspired Gabriel to be grateful for what he had and find a reason to affect people.

Twenty years later, Gabriel has lived many ups and downs including a battle with addictions. Though he doesn’t see himself as different than the next person, Gabriel has will and a drive to accomplish regardless of limitations. And, this is the message he hopes to spread as he embarks on a new journey today, April 1, 2013.

75 DAYS! From Santa Monica to Long Island!

Gabriel will push across the country in his everyday chair for 75 days to make it to Long Island by June 14^th for his High School Reunion. This means 45-50 miles a day. Woah!

We asked Gabriel two very important questions:

During this journey, what is the snack you can’t do without?

I’m not a big junk food eater, but it would have to be Cadbury Chocolate with Almonds…oh and also an ice cream cone.

Two songs that will be on your soundtrack to this journey?

Wherever I May Roam- Metallica

Right Now- Van Halen

Rock on Gabriel! And, good luck!

A huge thank you to the Burbank YMCA for supporting and rolling with you!

For more information and to follow Gabriel’s journey visit Roll with Me