Brothers share favorite moment of 40 mile trek for cerebral palsy awareness

(Toledo News Now) -

Two brothers are back home after their grueling, yet amazing 40-mile walk to raise awareness of cerebral palsy. It took two days, but the benefits could last for years.

14 year-old Hunter said it was so tough, he didn't think he could carry his 7-year-old brother on his back the entire way. But they got through it with support and prayers and continue to inspire people all over the country.

Hunter carried Braden on his back as they began their journey Saturday May 7 morning, leaving from Hunter's school at Bedford Junior High.

Braden was born with cerebral palsy, leaving him unable to walk on his own. Big brother carried him about 26 miles. By Sunday, the physical demands really started taking their toll on the boys. Braden was suffering from chaffing on his legs but a physical therapist was with them and helped them through.

They finished the last 14-miles and had a big final moment when the boys reached the end at the University of Michigan's wrestling center. Braden reached up and touched the banner welcoming them in.

"When it was hard, I'm like, we're going to do this but it's sore. We kept going," said Braden Gandee.

"Lifting him up and him being able to touch that banner, I mean, I don't even know if he understands yet what that means. I mean, him being able to touch that banner, that was the greatest moment of my life," said Hunter Gandee.

Hunter and Braden were able to make it to their brother's baseball practice Monday night and Hunter even made it to school Monday morning after the grueling walk.

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Brothers share favorite moment of 40 mile trek for cerebral palsy awareness