Stilt-walker Neil Sauter raised more than $16,000 for United Cerebral Palsy during his walk across Michigan in June. At the Wisconsin border in Ironwood Friday, June 27, Mr. Sauter, who has mild cerebral palsy, completed his 830-mile journey spanning the upper and lower peninsulas. While passing through the Straits area, Mr. Sauter walked across the front porch at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island Saturday, June 7, and talked to St. Ignace residents at the St. Ignace Middle School Monday, June 9.

Mr. Sauter went through three pairs of stilts and took eight weeks to complete the journey.

"Wind, rain, busy roads, broken stilts, and eight falls have not dampened Neil's spirit," said Linda Potter, United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Michigan executive director. "His perseverance and dedication mean so much to UCP and the people who will be helped by the funds he raised."

Many communities along his route welcomed Mr. Sauter and offered free food, free lodging, and other help. He has also spoken at more than a dozen schools.

"The generosity of everyone I've met on the trip has been overwhelming," said Mr. Sauter, who raised more than $64,000 in total for UCP through a 3-1 matching grant from the U.S. Department of Education. "I've worked to give back to the disability community that has supported me, and each place I've visited has kept giving."

More information about sponsoring Mr. Sauter's walk across Michigan or inviting him to speak is available at www.stiltstory.org. After expenses, all donated funds will support a program providing loans for communications tools, mobility aids, and accessible home modifications for people with disabilities.

Cerebral palsy is the most widespread lifetime disability in the United States. More than 35,000 people in Michigan have cerebral palsy.