Hunter Gandee will carry his brother, Braden, piggyback style for 111 miles from Temperance to Lansing’s Capitol from April 20-25 with the support of his family and friends along the way.
The Cerebral Palsy Swagger started in 2014 as the family’s way to raise awareness for the disorder. Hunter, 15, carried brother Braden, 8, who has cerebral palsy, for 55 miles from Temperance to Ann Arbor. The walk generated enough money to build a playground for people with special needs at Braden’s school.
A follow-up walk in 2015 received local and national attention for the family. A wrestler at Bedford High School, Hunter was awarded the first-ever Sports Illustrated High School Athlete of the Year for his efforts.
The two past walks have garnered support from the community for the family and the cause. This year’s Cerebral Palsy Swagger is the final and most ambitious event for the Gandees.
The family plans to arrive at Cooley Law School Stadium, home of the Lansing Lugnuts, on April 25 between 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Greeting them at the stadium are local celebrities, Farm Bureau Insurance representatives, local high schools and supportive community members. With the help of his walker, Braden will attempt to walk the last half mile to the Capitol on his own.
The walk is sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance, Michigan’s insurance company. Farm Bureau took a special interest in the event and is planning a large finale at the Capitol the evening the Gandees arrive. For more information and to follow the family’s journey, visit https://facebook.com/cerebralpalsyswagger.
