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Gabriel Abikzer
Gabey S. Abikzer, motivational and inspirational keynote speaker, in a grand ballroomGabey Abikzer in a ballroom with arms open in a welcoming gesture

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.

Gabey S. Abikzer in a navy suit with arms open wide
“It’s not about putting yourself in my shoes because I don’t have any.”
Gabey S. Abikzer

MAKE YOUR

OBSTACLE
YOUR WILL CHAIR

Access the Three Powers That Turn Any Setback Into Forward Motion

01

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.

02

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.

03

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

SEE GABEY
IN ACTION

The keynote, live

Footage from the keynote is being prepared for release.

Download speaker kit
Gabey S. Abikzer on the field
Speaker reel coming soon
Gabey S. Abikzer

Who is Gabey

MORE THAN
ONE TITLE

Executive Chef · Firefighter · Pilot · Father · Speaker

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.

Explore Gabey’s story

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
Gabey Abikzer with a guest at a speaking eventGabey Abikzer supporting charitable causesGabey Abikzer with family at his weddingGabey Abikzer during his years as a firefighter

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.”
THE TONIGHT SHOW with Jay Leno · NPR Award Winning Storyteller
Book Gabey