ESCANABA — Neil Sauter is dedicating two months of his life to doing what most people only do when they are stranded — walking on the side of the road for miles.
There are major differences, though. Sauter, 25, downstate Blissfield, is walking 830 miles on stilts, raising thousands of dollars for a good cause. His travels took him to Escanaba Monday.
Sauter is traveling across Michigan to raise money for United Cerebral Palsy Michigan. The organization raises funds to assist people with the disorder which affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills, and can also lead to other severe health issues. UCP Michigan’s mission is to raise funds to provide loans to people with disabilities for the purchase of assistive technology.
Since beginning his stilt-walk, Sauter has logged nearly 600 miles. On Monday morning he reached Rapid River and continued on U.S. 2 and 41 into Escanaba. With 200 more miles still to go before he reaches his destination at the Wisconsin border in Ironwood, Sauter has to keep a positive attitude.
Sauter kicked off his journey May 5 in Lambertville, near the Ohio border, where he gave an inspirational speech to elementary students. Since learning to walk on stilts, Sauter has been giving presentations to youth about diversity, acceptance and overcoming obstacles.
For Sauter, the cause is close to his heart. A walk which would be extremely challenging for even the most physically fit person, Sauter is doing with mild cerebral palsy. He admits his disorder has made the walk more challenging.
“I walk pigeon-toed normally, so it’s like that on stilts,” he said. “It makes it harder to have forward progression.”
Sauter is very familiar with CP and efforts being made to enhance the independence of people with disabilities. He has devoted much of his time volunteering to help others with various disabilities. He wanted to help UCP Michigan because its goals are in line with his own.
“UCP really believes that people with disabilities should be involved in the community and I completely agree with that,” he said. “In my work I’ve seen people that can’t get around without someone pushing them in their chair. With funds they were able to purchase a (modified wheelchair) that allowed the person to control it with her head. It was really amazing to witness that change.”
Linda Potter, executive director, UCP Michigan, can attest to the true dedication Sauter has to helping the disabled.
“He came on his own to us and offered to walk on stilts in the Grand Rapids Marathon in the fall to raise money for UCP and now he’s off doing what he’s doing now,” she said. “He’s been a terrific volunteer for this organization. As we like to say, we’re so glad he walks our way.”
UCP Michigan reported Sauter’s stilt-walk has already raised more than $40,000 for the UCP Assistive Technology Loan Fund, including matching funds from the U.S. Department of Education.
While Sauter, of course, has all the support of UCP, he is truly making this journey alone. He keeps nothing with him but a very small backpack with some snacks, water and a cell phone. He never knows where he’ll stay the night when he enters a strange town, and he often has to rely on the kindness of strangers for shelter and money.
Without stilts, the journey would have been a lot easier and a lot closer to earth, but Sauter’s decision to use them was ultimately in the best interest of the cause. Even at high speeds, drivers can’t miss the nearly nine-foot man walking along the side of the road.
“They get a lot of attention,” admitted Sauter.
The stilts also distinguish him from the common hitchhiker, said Sauter, laughing.
While Sauter’s unique skill and friendly personality have made him somewhat famous throughout the state, he said he did not gain immediate support in his effort. He’s encountered his fair share of strange looks and some people who just plain avoid him.
“Each day is really different,” he said. “Some days I feel fine and it seems like the day goes by fast, and some days it’s tiring and it seems like it takes forever to get anywhere. Lately it seems like I’ve had more good days though.”
When the journey does get tough, Sauter just reminds himself of what he’s working towards.
“There are moments when I get discouraged but I made a promise to hundreds of kids that I would walk across the state,” he said. “I can’t disappoint them.”
