Cory Lee and Hannah Gavios share their experiences on the latest episode of Let’s Go Together.
Each episode of Let’s Go Together — the podcast celebrating diversity in travel — features special guests who share their unique perspectives. Previous episodes introduced travelers from different backgrounds, showcasing the experiences of individuals like Glo Antanmo, a Black female blogger embracing solo travel and plus-sized travelers breaking stereotypes.
This week, host Kellee Edwards — who recently shared her powerful story as a Black female pilot and explorer — is joined by Cory Lee and Hannah Gavios, two inspiring travelers with physical disabilities who are determined to see the world and make memorable experiences.
Cory Lee’s Inspiring Journey
Cory Lee, the author of the wheelchair travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at the age of two. This diagnosis motivated Lee to travel extensively while he still had the ability to do so.
“That’s a big reason why I try to do as much as I can now,” Lee explained to Edwards. “At the moment while I’m more able than I will be 10 years from now. My mom was a school teacher, and we would take every summer to explore domestic destinations throughout the U.S. when I was younger.”
By the age of 15, Lee began traveling internationally and has explored all seven continents.
Hannah Gavios’s Resilience
Conversely, Hannah Gavios’ journey with a physical disability began while she was already an avid traveler. Working as a teacher in Southeast Asia, she faced a life-changing incident in Thailand, where she fell 150 feet off a cliff during a harrowing escape from a dangerous situation. Following emergency spinal surgery, doctors informed her of an “incomplete injury,” indicating limited mobility below the waist.
“When doctors told me that… most of my recovery would happen in six months and then not much after two years, I thought, ‘No, I’m going to beat this in three, four months. I’m going to be walking and running again,'” she recounted to Edwards.
Against the odds, she did indeed achieve that goal. Since her accident, Gavios has run two marathons on crutches and has persisted in her travels across the globe.
Overcoming Challenges in Travel
Throughout the episode, Gavios and Lee discuss their realities as everyday individuals and dedicated travelers. They highlight common misconceptions regarding their physical challenges and delve into the complexities of navigating different countries with varying levels of accessibility.
To hear their emotional journeys and gain impactful travel insights, tune into Let’s Go Together, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.
