Teen Who Carried Brother Honored By Sports Illustrated

TEMPERANCE, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - A southeastern Michigan teen who carried his brother on his back during two long walks to raise awareness for cerebral palsy is being honored by Sports Illustrated.

In May of 2014, Hunter Gandee, who was 14 years old at the time of the 40-mile trek, carried then-7-year-old Braden on his back over two days.

Cerebral palsy prevents Braden from walking without assistance.

This year's "Cerebral Palsy Swagger," a 57 mile journey, began at a groundbreaking for the CP Swagger Shipyard, a playground they raised money for at Braden's elementary school in Lambertville. The accessible playground has since been completed.

Sports Illustrated announced Monday that Hunter Gandee is the magazine's High School Athlete of the Year. An awards ceremony is Tuesday in New York. [Sports Illustrated VIDEO]

The walks called the "Cerebral Palsy Swagger" were part of an effort to raise awareness about cerebral palsy, a disorder that can affect movement, posture and muscle coordination.
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