Parents Laud Michigan Teen Who Carried Brother 57 Miles to Raise Cerebral Palsy Awareness

A Michigan teen, Hunter Gandee, 15, walked 40 miles last year to raise awareness for cerebral palsy. This year he took a longer trek and walked 57 miles with his brother, Braden, 8, on his back. Braden has cerebral palsy and cannot walk on his own, says an Associated Press report.

According to MLive.com, many were moved by Hunter's effort. The audience were shedding tears as Hunter spoke before the crowd and the media in the rehabilitation center.

Several other parents with children suffering from the same illness were also inspired by Hunter's work.

Maureen Kijek, 44, of Shelby Township commented that Hunter's effort alone is a cause for tears of joy. Kijek, has a son named Andrew, 14, who also suffered cerebral palsy. She said she was moved to tears upon hearing Hunter's plan to raise cerebral palsy awareness.

Hunter started his journey by foot from Lambertville in southeastern Michigan's Monroe County and ended it at the University of Michigan Pediatric Rehabilitation Center in Ann Arbor, reports Yahoo. Hunter arrived in the destination about 4 p.m. last Sunday. The entire travel took three days.

According to the AP report, Hunter was sore but still got a burst of energy while they were nearing their destination, due to the warm support they received from people around them.

Hunter said, "It went great - we walked into a big crowd of people. It was great to have everyone there. ... (Braden) was excited - not only that we were done finally, but everyone was there cheering him on," AP quotes.

Hunter's wrestling and football team members were among his supporters. Some dumped him a bucket of ice water at the end. 

CNN reports that Hunter's effort was recognized by the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), an international nonprofit charitable organization that provides and advocates for adults and children with disabilities. UCP spokeswoman Shelly DeButts commented that Hunter made the issue relatable.

DeButts said, "Hunter Gandee's work to raise awareness about his brother's disability has brought a tremendous amount of attention to our cause. Hunter gives us a glimpse of the unique relationship that frequently forms between siblings when one has a disability," CNN notes.

The said walk was not designed to raise money. However, for those who want to extend financial support, Hunter started a GoFundMe campaign that aims to raise money for a playground at Braden's school. The playground will be accessible to all children with disabilities.