Cory Lee: Defying Odds and Embracing Travel

Cory Lee has ridden camels in Morocco, floated in Iceland, explored India, paraglided in Switzerland, and visited Antarctica.

Early Life and Influences

Growing up, Cory Lee received a piece of advice that profoundly impacted his life: "If you can’t stand up, stand out." This encouraging mantra, often repeated by his mother, remains central to his philosophy.

Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) at age two, Cory started using a powered wheelchair full-time by the age of four. Despite his challenges, travel was never off his radar. Family trips throughout the United States ignited a passion for exploration, pushing him to look beyond national borders as a teenager.

Overcoming Job Discrimination

Lee’s determination solidified after facing discrimination in a job interview. The potential employer disqualified him for a role involving travel, assuming his disability made it impossible.

“I went to a job interview, and they told me that I could not have that job because it involved traveling,” Lee recounted to LADbible. This rejection only fueled his resolve to prove them wrong.

The Trip That Changed Everything

First International Experience

At 15, Cory’s first overseas journey to the Bahamas sparked a transformation. Despite the short duration of the four-day cruise, the experience opened his eyes to different cultures and lifestyles.

“It was the first time that I saw a different culture, tried new foods, and met people that lived very different lives than I did,” he shared. This trip ignited his passion for travel, making him eager to discover more of the world.

Launching "Curb Free With Cory Lee"

Creating an Accessible Travel Resource

In 2013, as Lee prepared for his first international trip to Australia, he noticed a lack of practical information for wheelchair users wishing to travel independently. Motivated by his job rejection and a desire to help others, he launched his blog, Curb Free With Cory Lee.

His blog documents accessible travel destinations and shares valuable insights. It has evolved into a comprehensive guide and personal record, gaining recognition as one of the most influential resources in accessible travel.

Extensive Travel Experiences

A Journey Across Continents

By age 35, Cory had explored 55 countries across all seven continents. His adventures included swimming in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and paragliding over Israel’s Negev Desert.

However, each trip requires meticulous planning, often including six months to a year of research focused on transport, accommodation, and accessibility.

“I would love to be able to stay in my wheelchair on the plane,” he expressed, stating that flying poses the biggest hurdle, as he often worries about wheelchair damage during transit.

Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Childhood Diagnosis

Cory’s journey with SMA began when his mother noticed his struggle to walk at just two years old. After a muscle biopsy, doctors confirmed the diagnosis. By age four, he had lost the ability to walk altogether, and his condition gradually worsened.

“In the ’90s, we had no treatment," he reflected. Physical therapy and swimming were his only options.

Hope for Future Generations

Recent advances in gene therapies offer hope for children diagnosed today, a perspective Lee embraces with optimism. “It’s definitely exciting to see that now when children are diagnosed, there are finally treatment options,” he noted.

Conclusion: A Testament to Resilience

For Cory Lee, travel is more than an escape; it’s a statement of defiance against disability. He continues to navigate the world, proving that barriers don’t dictate the extent of one’s adventures. In doing so, he inspires countless others to pursue their travel dreams, regardless of the challenges they might face.