Last year, Hunter Gandee helped raise awareness for cerebral palsy by carrying his brother, Braden, on his back in a harness. They walked for 40 miles in two days through heat, rain, and physical fatigue. Hunter was 14 years old at the time, and Braden was only 7 years old.
This year, the brothers are doing it again. This time, they are aiming for 57 miles with The Cerebral Palsy Swagger. The long walk began on Friday.
The brothers' walk started because Hunter wanted to help educate people about his younger sibling's condition.
"We want to spread the story about what we're doing and what they can do for people who have cerebral palsy. These are normal people and they are just trying to live their lives, too," said Hunter about the awareness project.
He said he was already 6 years old when Braden was born so he already was aware that his brother would not be able to walk on his own. So, being the great big brother that he is, he was always carrying Braden on his back to help him get around.
This year's walk began at the CP Swagger Shipyard - a playground they themselves helped raise the money to build at the elementary school where Braden studies in Lambertville.
According to the Associated Press, Hunter was in good spirits on the first few miles of the walk on Friday.
"It's been tough, but it's not as hard - so far - as it will be in the coming days. As we add on more miles, it's going to wear on us more, but we are prepared this time," he said.
Hunter and Braden are expected to reach their destination in Ann Arbor on Sunday.
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