From ancient byways to modern highways, glimpses of faith are everywhere...

Sunday, June 7, 2015

CP Swagger: He ain't heavy

Wheelchair-Swing  (by Ingolfson)
About ten miles from the finish line, Hunter Gandee wasn’t sure if he would make it.

Having already carried his seven-year-old brother Braden for approximately 30 miles, Hunter was feeling overwhelmed.  Braden, who suffers from cerebral palsy (CP), cannot walk on his own. 

NBC News reports that Hunter’s goal had been to raise awareness about cerebral palsy by completing a 40-mile walk with Braden “securely strapped to his back.”

Feeling so near and yet so far, Hunter had seriously considered giving up.  Battling “heat, rain and fatigue” for miles had worn down his spirit, to say nothing of his body.

So what got them through?  At mile 30, “Hunter reached out to a friend, who said a prayer for the brothers.”  This, plus some rest and adjustments to Braden’s position, renewed their stamina.

When later crossing the finish line of this “Cerebral Palsy Swagger” walk, Hunter and Braden were met with “thunderous applause and cheers.”

Resources
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/michigan-teen-finishes-40-mile-walk-brother-his-back-n125771

Copyright June 7, 2015 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved


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