Stilt Story 

How did Neil become a stilt walker?

It all started a few years ago when Neil's parents bought an inflatable clown suit for a Halloween costume.  Knowing how to juggle, Neil began volunteering his time as a clown for children's events and parades.  Before long he learned to create balloon animals and perform magic tricks.

Looking to improve on his talents, Neil contacted an entertainer who he had seen for years at the Blissfield River Raisin Festival.  Neil was told that if he could learn to walk on stilts he could have a job walking in parades and at festivals.  In the  following summer of 2007 Neil's career as a stilt walker began.

Why a marathon on stilts?

When Neil first told people that he was going to walk across Michigan on stilts almost everyone thought, "no way, it's never going to happen."  He knew he needed to have some credibility first before anyone would be willing to support or donate to a plan to walk across the state on stilts.  Although the purpose of the marathon was to gain credibility it was also a great opportunity to start doing some fundraising and spreading the word about United Cerebral Palsy. 

Why walk across Michigan on stilts?

In Neil's own words...

  "After I graduated from college I wanted to do someting adventurous and productive before settling into a career.  I had my heart set on the Peace Corps but was unable to go due to medical difficulties.  At the time I found out that the Peace Corps was out of the question I had just begun my stiltwalking career.  Then the idea just came to me: I would find an adventure and a cause of my own that I wouldn't have to listen to anybody who told me i couldn't go.  I would take a stand for people with disabilities right here in Michigan."

Now that Neil has completed his walk across Michigan, what is he up to?

In the fall Neil plans to begin pursuing his Masters degree in Natural Resource Management from Michigan State University with the hopes of working as an environmental educator in the future.

This fall he will return to his position at Jackson Community College, teaching two introduction to Psychology courses.

He will continue to peform as a stilt walker and continue to raise money for United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan when he attempts to break his own world record in the 2008 Grand Rapids Marathon on October 19th.

Where do Neil's stories come from?

All of Neil's stories are inventions of his own creativity.  He starts with a clear moral message and then figures out a way to fill in the details using balloon animals, juggling, and magic tricks.

Why does Neil raise money for United cerebral palsy?

Neil has a mild case of cerebral palsy in his legs, causing tightness in his calves and his ankles to turn in when he walks.  He has also worked with many people with CP, and believes that all people deserve to have the tools they need to live and work independently.

Neil's Biography

Neil grew up in Blissfield Michigan with his two wonderful sisters and loving parents.  He received his bachelors of Psychology from Grand Valley State University in 2006.  Since that time he has worked at the HOPE CENTER, a day center for people with disabilities, and has been an adjunct psychology faculty at Jackson Community College.  He is engaged to be married in the fall.

Go to United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan's website to make a secure, online donation by clicking on the button below:

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UCP Michigan

4970 Northwind Dr. Suite 102

E. Lansing, MI 48823