+159 votes
Group Of Friends Set Out To Take Their Disabled Friend On The Best Trip Of His Life
Description

Kevan Chandler was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a disease that limits his mobility. He relies on a wheelchair to get around, but when he and his friends decided to take a trip to explore Europe, they realized that it would be nearly impossible for Kevan to have the use of his wheelchair. Many of the places they wanted to go wouldn’t accommodate a wheelchair. Many of the sights they wanted to see had no roads at all.

They decided to work together in an effort that is now known as We Carry Kevan, and led to a fundraiser to design and construct a backpack that would allow them to carry their friend everywhere that they went.
They spent a year saving and fundraising, they set off on their adventure. Four of them took turns carrying Kevan and two spent their time documenting the entire trip.

For three weeks, the friends traveled across Europe, exploring beautiful landscapes, cities, and monuments with Kevan on their backs the entire time. 

One of the most beautiful things about it was that I got to go on this adventure with some of my best friends and we could go anywhere and do whatever without having to think about accessibility,” Kevan said. “So in a way we redefined the idea of accessibility in that everything became accessible because we did it differently.”

There is a reality that we [Kevan and his sister] are disabled. It’s not a bad word, it’s not a misconception, we can’t walk. I’ll refer to myself as a cripple. I don’t care because that’s what I am, but I also realise that that’s just a part of who I am, that’s not entirely who I am, so I’m not defined by the wheelchair that I’m in or the strength that I have.”

Now, they work together to help others have adventures of their own, redefining what it means to live, travel, and explore.


Credits: We Carry Kevan, via

15,128 views Oct 30, 2017

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whitneyjkeller 340 points
Kevan is an amazing person and his non profit is doing amazing things. Ellen should have them on her show and I know she would love them as well!
+28 votes
Oct 30, 2017
sjrsmith2017 350 points
Would LOVE for you to have Kevin on your show.  Such an amazing man with Amazing friends!!
+26 votes
Oct 30, 2017
Slprice90 360 points
Yes, this is amazing! Ellen should have Kevan on her show!
+24 votes
Oct 30, 2017
katemaria 380 points
Kevan is incredible! He should definitely be on the show!!
+23 votes
Oct 30, 2017
Brookestegenga 390 points
Kevan is not only inspirational but he is also a great friend always ready with a story and a laugh!
+19 votes
Oct 30, 2017
Meckelbarger5 400 points
We love Kevan! Such a humble, down-to-earth dude.... even in his recent fame he's turning around to use it to benefit others. We'd love to see him on Ellen!
+19 votes
Oct 30, 2017
Cindy Duvall 350 points
Kevan and friends have an amazing story to tell. Inspiring and uplifting! Help them tell their adventure, Ellen!
+19 votes
Oct 30, 2017
Lahedgep 350 points
This would be an incredible story to share on the show! He and his sister both are so inspiring!
+17 votes
Oct 30, 2017
AuntLori 350 points
These guys are amazing! They started an entire movement! This is way overdue, needs much more media attention in the United States, you are going to love Kevin! Just wait till you meet him, he’s incredible!
+17 votes
Oct 30, 2017
christineedwards1 350 points
I love Kevan and his friends!  They are a prime example of how we should live our lives and treat others.  Everything about their story and what they do is amazing.  I hope you'll showcase We Carry Kevan because people need to know about them, what they are doing, and how they are doing it.  Getting a spot on your show could really help them out and hopefully inspire others to do the same for friends and family who could use a helping hand in any way.
+15 votes
Oct 30, 2017
Anonimu 370 points
Kevan is a massive inspiration to me on a regular basis. Do it!
+14 votes
Oct 31, 2017
dkdavis 420 points
Kevan and his friends are truly inspiring people. Please have We Carry Kevan on the show!!
+14 votes
Oct 31, 2017
Pleeper1 380 points
We Carry Kevan puts dream into reality, these guys are innovative, authentic, and inspiring. Would love to see Kevan interact with Ellen and another backpack dance party!
+12 votes
Oct 31, 2017
billyjfelger 350 points
Kevan has such a sweet and charming personality, Ellen, you really need to have this guy on the show!  You'll love him!  You can find the trailer for their mini-documentary on Vimeo at..  
+12 votes
Oct 31, 2017
Melissamaegan 480 points
Kevan and his friends absolutely deserve a chance to share their story with Ellen.  Amazing people, amazing story, and amazing message. They inspired me to get over my fear of traveling because of my disabilities and I got to explore Spain! Absolutely a life changing trip. Give Kevan a chance to make my reality a reality for many others by sharing his story with Ellen!
+11 votes
Oct 31, 2017
nathancarlson78 390 points
Yes have them on! They are amazing!!
+10 votes
Oct 31, 2017
pdg021 400 points
Kevan is such an inspiring person and gives a whole new meaning to the words no excuses.   He and his friends are a great picture of what true friendship is all about.
+10 votes
Oct 31, 2017
SilvinaComba 500 points
I can't wait to see my fav people on your show!! They are amazing, a true inspiration. Your viewers deserve to know Kevan's story, it'll restore their much needed faith in humanity. Cheers all the way from Argentina
+9 votes
Oct 31, 2017
oraeg23 350 points
This story in incredible and heart warming. I would love to see Kevan on ellen.
+9 votes
Nov 1, 2017
katmkeller 320 points
Kevan is amazing and this group of guys is incredible. Ellen -- it was be a blast to have them on your show.
+8 votes
Nov 1, 2017
macdaddy5 490 points
These friends traveled all around Europe with a friend on their back and they raised all the money to go all by themselves! Awesome! I really hope this young man is able to bring some hope to others on Ellen!
+8 votes
Nov 1, 2017
Caitlin_ 270 points
These guys are truly inspirational! They deserve to have their story shared!
+6 votes
Nov 1, 2017
lkoretoff 260 points
An amazing story!  I hope Ellen will have them on the show and showcase this wonderful testament to friendship.
+6 votes
Nov 1, 2017
dwaegerle 370 points
This is an amazing story. People with disabilities need to have the same opportunities that others can have and this shows the importance of friendship, caring and exploration. They need to be on the show to tell their story and inspire others to dream.
+6 votes
Nov 1, 2017
kb131 480 points
As Kevan essentially mentions in the trailer of their View From Here documentary- the expectation people have of Kevan, or a person who lives life in a wheel chair, is that he or she is supposed to stay comfortable and not risk much... but Kevan lives more of a full life than most people I know. He is working to inspire others to know that they have so much to bring to the table and can live life fully! And the friends working with him in this endevor example brotherly love so beautifully. It is an endeavor that is strengthening to both the able-bodied, and disabled community! Ellen, you will love having these men join you!
+6 votes
Nov 2, 2017
Dianew 260 points
Enjoying following this incredible group of friends around the globe.
+5 votes
Nov 1, 2017
slaventure 260 points
Yes, yes, yes!  Kevan+Ellen=<3.
+5 votes
Nov 2, 2017
Ktd86 460 points
OMG KEVAN AND HIS SQUAD ARE AMAZING!!
+4 votes
Nov 2, 2017
Catiemmm 490 points
AMAZING !!!!!
+4 votes
Nov 2, 2017
janemc901 230 points
I have known Kevin and his family since he was 2 years old.  he has never ceased to amaze me.  SMA does not hold him back from anything.  Ellen would enjoy meeting this amazing young man and his friends.
+4 votes
Nov 2, 2017
makaylaallison 230 points
Kevan is such an inspiration to our six year old daughter, Lily. Please put him on the show to inspire even more children and adults with health conditions! He is an amazing guy.
+4 votes
Nov 2, 2017
Connie.chandler 350 points
that would be MY little brother, ya'll... and yes, he is really that awesome in real life! <3
+4 votes
Nov 2, 2017
SoFlaGirl 530 points
Kevan (and his sister) are both incredible people. They are both so full of life and adventure!
+3 votes
Nov 2, 2017
Keekers 500 points
Kevan and his group are amazing guys! Such humble, down-to-earth guys, can't wait to see the documentary. Love that they are turning the recognition around and using it to benefit others too!
+1 vote
Nov 2, 2017
Finch 160 points
Ellen .. come on this is a no brainier  you must let these guys meet our community.. im messaging from London UK :)
+1 vote
Nov 3, 2017
zpeteman 270 points
A good man, and an AMAZING story.
+1 vote
Nov 3, 2017
adㅇsㅐ 240 points
I know and love Kevan and think his story is an incredible and inspiring one! Please feature Kevan, Ellen!
+1 vote
Nov 4, 2017
Challis 160 points
Yes!!!! Ellen, bring Kevan on your show!! He is so inspiring!!
+1 vote
Nov 14, 2017
Jaholt 470 points
Kevan has a big heart and bigger dreams. He is doing great things for others with his newfound notoriety.  Please help him further his impact by having him on your show.
0 votes
Nov 6, 2017
jtrossmiller 150 points
Would love to see this story on Ellen!  My son has SMA type 1 and it would be such an inspiration for him to see someone like Kevan out there living a full life
0 votes
Dec 9, 2017
dkford3310 150 points
Now Kevan and his crew are helping others in China. Please bless this guy with another trip.

https://www.facebook.com/wecarrykevan/videos/798113533853508/
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Oct 24, 2018
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