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Hunter Gandee
Hunter Gandee (born in 1999)is a former wrestler of the Michigan high school in Team Michigan, creator/project manager of the '''Cerebral Palsy Swagger''', research assistant in Energy Transport Lab at University of Michigan and also a political activist.He raised the cerebral palsy awareness worldwide by carrying his brother and walked the distances of 40,57 and 111 miles.

Background Informations
Hunter Gandee was born in Temperance, Michigan.He went to Michigan high school in his early age.He was also a member of Team Michigan wrestling team and during the AAU Junior Olympics he faced top wrestlers in the nation.In that tournament he found that it was quite difficult.But he said that tournament is neither the toughest or most rewarding thing he’s done in his life.His younger brother Braden has cerebral palsy, and when Braden was nine years old, Hunter carried him from Temperance Bedford High school where hunter is a senior 111miles through the back roads of Michigan to the steps of Capitol in Lansing to garner awareness for children with disabilities.Through the steps of the Capitol he and his brother were greeted by top politicans.It was the third and the longest walk that Hunter made with his brother.In 2014, he began a community awareness program for cerebral palsy called “Cerebral Palsy Swagger,” and carried his brother from Bedford 40 miles to the University of Michigan wrestling center through both the heat and rain.The following year, they traveled 57 miles in three days to U-M’s pediatric rehabilitation center .“The walks have been nuts,” Hunter said. “They are some of the hardest things I’ve done, but they are cool because we get lots of publicity.And it is awesome because it brings awareness to our goal”. “ I just want to help the people out who have conditions like my brother does” he also said .“You know, I saw things I wanted to change in Braden’s life, so I went out and attacked the idea .” Hunter told the Detroit new station, “ It was in 8th grade when I started selling green cerebral awareness wristbands at my school .What started as a small school-based fundraiser , transformed into an internationally reaching awareness project in which I carried my brother and walked distances of 40,57, and 111 miles .” After the third walk Hunter said, “ this will be my last such walk because I will be starting my senior year of high school in the autumn(fall) and will be preparing for college .” Hunter simply wanted to bring awareness to kids with disabilities, and help eliminate bullying. Although he stopped making the walk, he encouraged people to be aware of the disease and to help however they can. Also through public support, $185,000 was raised, which was used to build a handicap accessible playground at Temperance Bedford Middle School.His dream is to study engineering at the University of Michigan, and create equipments that makes life easier for children like Braden.Now he is working as a research assistant in Energy Transport Lab at the University of MIchigan.He is currently also the student manager of University of Michigan Athletics. He is still volunteering with the Cerebral Palsy Swagger and also the Creator and Project Manager of that project. Hunter said, “ all these miracles happened because of my mother and my enthusiasm to make that happen .” “ One night his mom had a dream that he was walking with Braden on his back ,”his father Sam Gandee told Fox 2 News. '''“That’s where the idea came from.We thought it was a small community thing, but it grew to something we could never imagine. “'''

Childhood
Hunter Gandee was born on 5th December, 1999 in Temperance , Michigan.He has three siblings,Kerragan, Kellen and Braden. He is the oldest son of Sam Gandee and Danielle Gandee. At a young age he went to Bedford HIgh school. His brother Braden has Cerebral Palsy. HIs mother Danielle had a difficult pregnancy before borning Braden.” After that difficult pregnancy , Braden was born at 2 weeks and not strong enough to breathe on his own ,” his mother said. “He was diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) before he left the neonatal intensive care unit four weeks later.” PVL, we were told, usually results in CP.Because we knew he had CP from the beginning, we were able to get Braden started on physical therapy by the age of 3 months, and it made a big difference .”Hunter had a hard time taking care of his brother. But he always teaches his brother, Braden, to work hard. Also he confronted his brother always, “people with CP are just like everyone else.Everyone has things that they are good at and things they have a hard time doing. Don't let anything stop you. Don’t be disappointed. Be brave. Be strong. Be proud. Be you. “He also said, “ I hope for a day when our world is adapted to be inclusive for everyone with different abilities.” Having a sibling with CP had greatly impacted his perspective on absolutely everything, especially his views on the importance of faith, hard work, and more accessible society.He always wanted to help people with CP not just his brother, all the people with CP. So even in his childhood he sold green bracelets at his junior high school to raise awareness about Cerebral Palsy.

Activism
Hunter started selling bracelets at his high school to raise awareness about CP. But one night his mother said, “ I had a dream where Hunter is carrying Braden on his back.” After that Hunter wanted to make her mother’s idea into reality. He spent three months talking about his planned walk to the news media and to students at other schools

Jun 9,2014 //Michigan Teen Finishes 40-Mile Walk With Brother On His Back
A Michigan teenager who wanted to raise awareness about cerebral palsy by walking 40 miles with his brother strapped to his back battled heat,rain,fatigue and more to finish the trek Sunday. Hunter Gandee, 14 , had been planning for weeks to pull off the walk , hoping to put a face on the muscular disorder that prevents his 7 year old sibling , Braden,from being able to walk without help. But all his organizing couldn’t prepare him for the conditions he faced as he packed the 50- pound boy over two days. He even thought about giving up along the way. “Honestly, yes, there was a point that we did consider stopping, “ Hunter said. “ Braden’s legs - the chafing was getting pretty bad. We did have to consider stopping.It was at about the 30-mile point.” A phone call changed all that. Hunter reached out to a friend, who said a prayer for the brothers. That, combined with some rest anda change in how braden was positioned on his brother’s back, helped the boys make it the final 10 miles. It may have taken a bit longer than they anticipated, but the Gandees and more than a dozen of their family members and friends strolled up a winding road Sunday toward the University Of Michigan’s wrestling center. At the top of the hill, Hunter lifted up Braden so he could touch a “GO BLUE” banner erected for them near the walk’s endpoint. The move was met with thunderous applause and cheers from those who had gathered to see the brothers finish the trek. More than 30 hours earlier, Hunter, with Braden securely strapped to his back, left the parking lot of Bedford Junior High in Temperance near the Ohio border. The brothers’ parents and two other siblings accompanied them on the walk. A caravan of cars and other walkers also joined in. The goal of the walk, called the Cerebral Palsy Swagger, was to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and hopefully inspire new ideas for mobility aids and medical procedures. Braden typically uses a walker, braces or a power chair to get up and get around. Hunter, a 155- pound wrestler, said he trained for the trek by lifting weights and staying active. And by checking the weather forecast

Jun 9, 2015//Teen carries brother 57 miles to raise awareness of cerebral palsy
Hunter Gandee, 15 , used to carry his little brother Braden around because it was convenient. Now, he knows it can be a powerful tool to raise awareness too. With 8- year old Braden strapped to his back, HUnter on Sunday completed a 57- mile walk across southern Michigan. The teen planned the trek, '''the Cerebral Palsy Swagger''', to bring greater recognition to people such as Braden who are afflicted with cerebral palsy, a debilitating brain disorder. '''“ I’ ve seen what my brother has to do and struggle with in everyday life, “ Hunter said. “ Walking is his biggest struggle, and we wanted to show people that .”''' Cerebral Palsy is a nonprogessive brain disorder that impairs muscle coordination. It appears in infancy or early in childhood and damages brain tissue that controls movement. Friends and family joined Hunter for the three - day journey, which was well - documented on Facebook and Instagram. People lined the route to shout encouragement. Police and fire departments safely escorted the group through towns. At no point were there less than 15 people by his side, Hunter said. “ We had never planned for it to be this big, “ he said. “ At first, I just wanted to get my friends involved .” The trek began Friday at Braden’ school in Lambertville, where the entire student body--- all 550 students --- at Douglas Road Elementary took the initial steps beside Hunter and Braden. “ It was exhilarating for our students, “ said school principal Carol Perz. “ The event gave students a chance to learn more about disabilities and support a peer, '' she said. The journey ended at the University of Michigan Pediatric Rehabilitation Center in Ann Arbor, where Braden has a surgery scheduled for June 26. When the group reached their destination, Hunter and Braden broke the tape at the finish line and celebrated with the supporters. Hunter said he was filled with intense feelings of relief, as well as thankfulness for those who walked with him and cheered as he passed. “ The recognition shows that people see what we’re doing and they’re believing in us, “ he said. His work also got the attention of the United Cerebral Palsy, a national organization that seeks to advance the independence and productivity of those with Cerebral Palsy. UCP spokeswoman Shelly DeButts said Hunter gets people’s attention by making the issue relatable. “Hunter Gandee’'s work to raise awareness about his brother’s disability has brought a tremendous amount of attention to our cause, “ she said. “ Hunter gives us a glimpse of the unique relationship that frequently forms between siblings when one has a disability. “ While their walk was not a fundraiser, Hunter started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for a playground at Braden’s school that will be accessible to children with disabilities. Hunter completed a similar, 40-mile trek with Braden in 2014 summer and got the idea to fund the playground after people wanted to donate money. He said he realized his brother would enjoy recess more if he had the proper playground equipment, such as rubber flooring and ramps. “It provides an opportunity for all of our students to play together, “ said Perz , who believes an accessible playground benefits the entire school. She called Hunter an inspiration and credited his walks with empowering the community to dream bigger and think more inclusively. As for Hunter, he’s still sore from carrying his 60-pound brother in a harness for three days. But he believes the miles they traveled are just the start of a larger journey toward improving Braden’s life.”There are things that Braden struggles with but there are things that we can do(to help), “ he said. “I think it’s up to my generation to change things and make the world more accessible.

Apr 20, 2016//Michigan teen trekking 111 miles with brother on his back for cerebral palsy awareness
A Michigan teen who has made annual treks carrying his younger brother on his back to raise awareness about cerebral palsy on Wednesday started a 111-mile walk that’s expected to be his last.Hunter Gandee, 16, set out from Temperance in southeastern Michigan while carrying his 70-pound brother, 9-year-old Braden, who has cerebral palsy and can’t walk without assistance. The brothers expect to reach the state Capitol in Lansing on Monday, stopping at schools along the way. Hunter expects this will be his last such walk because he will be starting his senior year of high school in the fall and will be preparing for college. “And braden is getting bigger, “ Hunter added in a telephone interview with the Associated Press on Wednesday. Braden plans to complete the final half-mile in Lansing using a walker. “ He’s pretty excited right now, “ Hunter said. “We,ve had a great time, so far.” They call the walk the “ Cerebral Palsy Swagger , “ and it challenges people worldwide to take steps toward inclusion. “I’m extremely thankful for our support and that has inspired me to keep going, “ Hunter said. Hunter was 14 in 2014 when he carried then - 7 -year old Braden for 40 miles. Last year, they made a 57-mile journey. Back in 2014, Hunter held Braden in his arms on the mound at Comerica Park as Braden tossed the ceremonial first pitch in Detroit’s Tigers game against the Colorado Rockies. He and others also raised money for an accessible playground at Braden’s school.

Online: http://www.facebook.com/cerebralpalsyswagger

After Three Long Walks(Hunter’s Activism)--Present
Hunter simply wanted to bring awareness to kids with disabilities, and '''help eliminate bullying'''.Hunter did not make the walk again after three long walks because his brother became heavier and also he was preparing for college that fall. But, still he encourages people to be aware of the disease and to help however they can. Hunter wanted to study engineering at his dream school, the University of Michigan, and create equipment that makes life easier for children like Braden. “ Hunter has always had a good relationship with his brother, and has shown compassion and has a mature way of going about things, “ his dad Sam Gandee said, “He’s always wanted to go about making his brother’s life better.The more that people know about kids like Braden, the less chance of bullying and maybe people might want to go into fields that bring new technology."

Dec15, 2015, Hunter Gandee receives Sports Illustrated award
Hunter Gandee carried his brother On his back for miles.Not once But twice. Dave LewAllen said, “ I told him he was crazy for wanting to go further this time, “ 9-year-old Braden Gandee said of his brother’s determination during last summer’s 57-mile trek from their home in Temperance to Ann Arbor. Hunter’s two summer-time treks with Braden in tow, totaled nearly a hundred miles.His effort went viral, generating national awareness for the Cerebral Palsy Braden lives with.

Hunter was selected for national recognition for his expression of love for his younger brother. '''“ I am the first Sports Illustrated High School Athlete of the Year and I’m extremely blessed. “''' Gandee is a sophomore at Bedford High School and a member of the school’s wrestling team - so he’s used to hard work and determination.Also he raised $200000 raised and build a handicap-accessible playground at Braden’s school, Douglas road ElementaryNow all the students in the school can all play together at recess.Hunter said It’s an example of the power of coming together for a cause. “ A lot of people see it all as what I built but it wasn’t just me building it, “ he said. '''“ There were so many people.So many volunteers came out and built it, so many people raised the funds. I may get the credit but it was a community effort.”'''

2015 State Honorees:Hunter Gandee,The PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT of COMMUNITY AWARDS Interview with Hunter Gandee
“My project is that I carried my brother Braden who has Cerebral Palsy ,40-mile from my school to the University of Michigan to raise awareness, to tell people, a lot of people out there who never had of Cerebral Palsy before or maybe heard of it but don’t know the struggle that my brother had been through it. He is just like all of us, he just needs a little extra help. So I wanted to show the people the help that he needs and hopefully try and get it for him.He’ s been my inspiration all my life so much watching him struggle everyday. He has struggles that most people don't have to deal with.He has to use a walker to get around and has an attached smile on his face and brings a smile to everyone around him.I was so passionate and I was just a 14 years old boy who had an idea. I just wanted to go out and try something that I am passionate about and it got the attention. People believed in me, wanted to come support me. If other kids have ideas like me, I don't think they should hold back. They can go out and make a difference.”

2017, Hunter Gandee wins National High School Spirit of Sport Award
Hunter Gandee, a junior at Bedford High School who has earned many accolades for his and his family’s effort to bring awareness to cerebral palsy, has been named the 2017 Section 4 recipient of the '''“ National High School Spirit of Sport Award''' “ by the National Federation of State High School Associations.This award was created by the NFHS to recognize individuals “who exemplify the ideals of the spirit of sport that represent the core mission of education-based athletics. “ A standout student, Hunter carries a 3.92 grade-point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. On the sports side, Hunter is in his third season on the varsity wrestling team, and participates in Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestling during the offseason. While those accomplishments are worth nothing, the organization notes they might pale in comparison to what he has done for his younger brother, Braden. Born with cerebral palsy, Braden has limited use of his legs and so Hunter has typically carried his younger brother around. With the help of family and friends, the two hiked with Hunter carrying Braden in 2014 and 2015 from Temperance to Ann Arbor. The 2016 walk was 111miles from Temperance to Lansing.

About this award
The NFHS divides the U.S. into eight geographical sections when giving this award;the states in Section 4 are Michigan, Illinois, Indiana , Iowa and Wisconsin The section winners will receive awards before the end of the school year; and a national honoree will be recognized June 29 at the NFHS Summer Meeting in Providence, R.I.

Career
He is still studying Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science (BS)at the University Of MIchigan College Of Engineering. About his story He said, “ I gained many useful skills including project management , public speaking, team leading , large scale fundraising, and networking. More importantly however, I realized the importance of being able to help make the world a better place in your own way. At this time, raising awareness for cerebral palsy was how I wanted to help people, and the project was what I could bring to the table.” He also said, “ Now a junior in the University of Michigan’s Mechanical Engineering program, I find that I have a new angle to attack at trying to make the world a better place. I have always had a passion for learning itself, and find this to continue to drive me.Michigan Engineering has taught me that learning is how we understand the way things work, how we identify what needs to be changed , and how we can better the world around us. This is why I am drawn to mechanical design processes. I am still searching for which field of design I am best suited in, however, I have now found that designing part of a better world is how I want to help people, and a commitment to continued learning is what I bring to the table.” He is now working as a research assistant in the Energy Transport Lab at the University of Michigan.He is also Mechanical and Systems Engineer(Part time) and Business Manager(Part time) at the Michigan University. He also has been the Student Manger(Part time/Activities and societies, LEAD Scholars Program) at the University of Michigan Athletics.He’s still volunteering the '''Cerebral Palsy Swagger''' and also creator and Project Manager of that project.