Neil Sauter Has High Hopes

Did you hear the one about the guy who spent the last eight weeks walking across Michigan on stilts? Neil Sauter knocked out nearly 15 miles each day as he successfully completed an 830-mile trek to raise funds to fight cerebral palsy.

Sauter has mild cerebral palsy that causes his calves to tighten and his ankles to turn in when he walks. But, those challenges didn't stop him from raising $15,000 for his cause. Add in a few matching federal grants and Sauter's journey generated an amazing $60,000 for United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan.

Here is a quick story from Sauter's web site about why he walked across Michigan..."After I graduated from college I wanted to do something adventurous and productive before settling into a career.  I had my heart set on the Peace Corps but was unable to go due to medical difficulties.  At the time I found out that the Peace Corps was out of the question I had just begun my stiltwalking career.  Then the idea just came to me: I would find an adventure and a cause of my own that I wouldn't have to listen to anybody who told me i couldn't go.  I would take a stand for people with disabilities right here in Michigan."

I think that's pretty cool. Sauter has high hopes and he walks tall among us. Cheers to you, Neil. Thanks for bringing the hope.

Comments

[mike]

Neil sent an email update today. Here is the latest. This guy is awesome.

Hello,

I want to take a few seconds of your time to say thank you. I greatly appreciated all the support and encouragemnt that I was given during my walk. It was an amazing experience to be able to trust that people would provide with me food, water, and lodging when needed.

I completed all 830 miles and have thus far raised over $71,000 for UCP.

Thanks again for your help!

Neil