He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother

We adults sometimes question our ability to make a significant difference in the lives of others. So when we see a child doing amazing things, we tend to be pleasantly surprised, impressed — and maybe even inspired.

An event that wrapped up this week is a perfect reason to be all three.

Michigan high school student Hunter Gandee, 16, carried his younger brother, Braden Gandee, 9, who has cerebral palsy, for over 100 miles in an amazing pilgrimage of stamina and dedication — a walk they’ve done twice before. Hunter Gandee was just 14 when he first carried Braden 40 miles in 2014; last year the trek was 57 miles.

For the latest “Cerebral Palsy Swagger” charity walk, the boys set out for an 111-mile venture from Monroe County, Michigan, to the state capital in Lansing. Their goal was to encourage people to take steps toward inclusion, support people with disabilities — and raise money for an important cause.

Every three or four miles, the boys stopped and rested, and at night they clambered into their family’s RV and found a hotel. “At certain points, there were 200 people with us. We tried to have fun and take our mind off walking. It was always nice to see Braden get really excited when one of his friends would show up, too,” Hunter Gandee told Today.

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The teen has played a key role not only in his brother’s life but in the larger community as well. “I sometimes think we’re extra close because as his older brother, I want to be there for him when he needs me, and he needs me a little extra, so I’m happy to do it.”

Their greatest triumph, however, came in the last half-mile of the walk. With friends and family surrounding them, Braden Gandee walked the last stretch by himself — leaning on his walker — and was greeted at the capital by Michigan’s Lt. Governor Brian Calley, along with a rousing crowd.

“I want to be there for him when he needs me,” said the teen, “and he needs me a little extra, so I’m happy to do it.”

“It was hard and seemed like 100 miles, but it felt good after to know I did it,” Braden Gandee told Today.

The pair raised over $200,000 for a handicapped-accessible playground at the younger boy’s school last year — and that reality has made a tangible difference in kids’ lives.

For this year’s walk, older brother Hunter had trained since December. “It was the toughest thing I’ve ever done or will ever have to do in my life,” he said. “But it was crazy and fun and I had my four best friends by my side the entire time, which helped ease the pain.” He used a personal trainer and had been carrying a weighted backpack around school. 

This 2016 walk will likely be the Gandee brothers’ last. Hunter said Braden is getting bigger — plus, as the teenager approaches his senior year of high school, he’ll be focused on his college applications. 

Somehow we know his younger brother will be cheering him on.