Motivational & Inspirational Speaker
Turn your
wheelchair into
a will-chair into will power.
From Darkness to Brightness · From Wheelchair to Will-Chair
A keynote that changes the way people see adversity. Gabriel “Gabey” Abikzer combines an extraordinary true story, humor and a powerful framework for resilience to help audiences rediscover perspective — and the will to move forward.
The Keynote
30 minutes
From Darkness to Brightness — a live keynote, opening or closing.
The Framework
The 3 Powers
Others · Comparison · God — named, remembered, used.
Built For
Corporate rooms
Meetings, leadership events, sales teams, associations, conferences.
For Planners
Nothing gated
Speaker kit, one-sheet, bios, headshots and AV notes — downloadable now.
The Message
EVERYONE
HAS A WHEELCHAIR
Yours just might not have wheels
I have a wheelchair, but everyone has a “wheelchair”… everyone has a challenge. Turn your wheelchair into a will-chair — access your will powers to overcome shortcomings.
“It’s not about putting yourself in my shoes… because I don’t have any.”
MAKE YOUR
OBSTACLE
YOUR WILL CHAIR
Access the Three Powers That Turn Any Setback Into Forward Motion
The Power of Others
Lean Into Connection
No one turns a wheelchair into a will-chair alone. Someone always hands you the first push. Recognizing who's shown up for you — and who needs you to show up for them — is where forward motion begins.
The Power of Comparison
Reframe What You See
Comparison can crush you, or it can clarify you. The difference is what you do with what you see in someone else. Release the comparisons that shrink you, and let the rest sharpen your purpose.
The Power of God
Trust What You Can't See
Willpower alone runs out. Faith in God is what keeps you moving when your own strength isn't enough. Trusting Him, even without seeing the whole staircase, is where real momentum begins.
Watch
MEET GABEY
ON SCREEN
Introduction & published videos
Meet Gabey through his gold logo introduction and explore his published videos.
Download speaker kitGabriel Abikzer — Gold Logo Reveal
A ten-second logo introduction.
Playlist
Who is Gabey
MORE THAN
ONE TITLE
Executive Chef · Firefighter · Pilot · Father · Speaker · Professional Backgammon Player
Gabey’s life has always run on motion — a culinary career, years in the fire service, time in the air, and three children: Nicole, Andrew and Joshua.
He lost both legs in a tragic accident and rebuilt through rehabilitation, humor, faith and gratitude. He still drives, jet skis, parasails, travels and cooks. He is also a Professional Backgammon Player.
Signature Keynote
FROM DARKNESS
TO BRIGHTNESS
From Wheelchair to Will-Chair · Approx. 30 minutes
- 01Perspective during adversity
- 02The importance of the people around us
- 03Finding the will to keep moving forward
Off stage
At the backgammon board
Away from the keynote stage, Gabey plays competitive backgammon across the country — including a 1st-place Quickies win at the 2026 Wisconsin State Championships. Follow the tournament trail.
Close to his heart
Philanthropy
Discover the organizations close to Gabey’s heart. Explore their work, find a cause that speaks to you, and consider how you can lend your support.
Chabad
Visit & supportOperation Smile
Visit & supportSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Visit & supportBelev Echad
Visit & supportRenewal (Kidney Donation)
Visit & supportDoctors Without Borders
Visit & supportSave the Children
Visit & supportMarine Toys for Tots
Visit & supportWounded Warrior Project
Visit & supportMake-A-Wish Foundation
Visit & supportFeed the Children
Visit & supportAmerican Kidney Fund
Visit & supportCedars-Sinai Health System
Visit & supportSpecial Olympics
Visit & supportDisabled American Veterans (DAV)
Visit & supportAlpha Epsilon Pi
Visit & supportHillel International
Visit & support
Bring Gabey to your event
A STORY
THEY’LL REMEMBER
A perspective they can use
“I was introduced to Gabey through a mutual friend, a highly accomplished actor, who had known him for decades. Since I had a rich background in public speaking, live performances, writing, and inspirational presentations – our mutual friend suggested we collaborate to develop a motivational speech for together. Little did I know, I was about to encounter a force of nature. Gabey embodies resilience in its purest form, facing extraordinary challenges head-on while maintaining an infectious smile, a joyous laugh, and, despite the loss of his legs, an unmistakable “pep in his step.””