From Survivor to Leader: Juan Garibay’s Journey from Violence to Vital Work at Rancho

At age 20, Juan Garibay survived a spinal cord injury that changed the course of his life. Once involved in gang activity and serving time in prison, Juan emerged from tragedy with a new sense of purpose. Today, he is a Research Assistant and Program Manager at the Rancho Research Institute, where he helps shape groundbreaking rehabilitation programs and spinal cord injury research. In this inspiring episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Juan shares his powerful story of redemption, transformation, and impact. From his early days volunteering at Rancho Los Amigos to leading life coaching programs and enrolling patients in the SCI Model System study, Juan has devoted more than 20 years to helping others turn their lives around. Tune in as we discuss violence prevention, spinal cord injury recovery, peer mentorship, and the critical role of lived experience in rehabilitation. Juan’s story is a testament to resilience, second chances, and the life-changing power of service. Walk and Roll Live