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Spotlights » Neil Sauter, '06
Neil Sauter, '06, wanted to do something adventurous and productive after graduation before settling into a career. Now, in order to raise money and awareness for United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan, Neil is walking across the state of Michigan from the Southeast corner of the mitten to the Northwest tip of the Upper Peninsula. The twist? He's doing the whole thing on stilts. "I mentioned my idea to UCP, but didn't know if they believed me at the time." Once he began making plans, they realized that his plans were more than idle musings.
The organization has been extremely helpful and supportive of the project. The walk is designed to cover approximately 100 miles per week, which allots 15-25 miles of travel on stilts per day. Neil, who has a mild case of Cerebral Palsy himself, will stop once a day for scheduled speaking appearances to inspire young people to overcome their challenges as well as educate them about becoming advocates for others. "So far I am impressed with how responsive and excited the kids have been. They have been asking a lot of good questions along the way."
He has gathered vast amounts of support in his venture. "I was nervous about being welcomed warmly, but people have been really great." Some individuals and companies are providing financial sponsorship for his walk. Others open their homes to him, providing a place to rest before traveling to his next destination. Far more encourage him each day with kind words, company, food and beverages, or the offer to carry his backpack for a leg of the journey.
"I anticipated it would be a pretty good challenge, and so far it's about right." The further he goes the stronger he gets, which is beneficial considering the wear and tear on his stilts. After one long day of struggling with a broken brace, he dropped his water bottle. He left it on the ground, breaking the strict anti-littering policy he abides by as an environmental advocate. "Mother Nature heard about my poor decision and voiced her disapproval by blasting me with a strong wind for about 2 hours."
Neil plans to attend graduate school at either Michigan State University of the University of Michigan to study Natural Resource Management. He has a strong interest in becoming an advocate for the environment and educating others. No matter what the future holds, Neil says "I plan to bring about change and advocate for people with disabilities."
Neil obtained his bachelors degree in psychology in 2006. As a student at GVSU, Neil was active in organizations which serve to bring about positive change in the community. He was involved in and eventually became president of Best Buddies, an organization that matches students with young people with disabilities. "I still have regular contact with my buddy, and his family has become like a second family to me." He also participated in Alternative Breaks, where students travel to different locations in the U.S. to complete service projects. "It's is a great opportunity for students to become active in their communities and to do something that will make a positive impact." Neil has certainly carried that tradition on to great heights since his graduation. Word of his positive impact on the community is growing in momentum and will hopefully continue to grow. He has raised $6,700 so far, which will be matched 3:1 by a federal grant. UCP is just $8,000 from their fundraising goal. To learn more about Neil's venture, read his journal, see pictures, schedule an appearance, or join in supporting UCP, visit www.stiltstory.org.
Neil comes from Blissfield, MI where he grew up with his parents, who have been of great support and inspiration to him, and his two wonderful sisters. He is engaged to be married this fall.
Added June 2008
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