Green Bay Packers players have long been known for the work they do in their communities. It is hard to tell the 100+ year history of the franchise without hundreds, if not thousands, of other stories about how players helped and inspired the people who love watching them play. This is certainly true of Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Gilbert Brown, whose Gilbert Brown Foundation supports over 150 charities dedicated to improving the lives of children all over the state of Wisconsin.
What is not often told are stories of the children who receive the benefits of the Gilbert Brown Foundation giving back. This is why we are telling the incredible story of Caden Dahl, a teenager who has gone from receiving help from the Gilbert Brown Foundation to giving back to it and changing the lives of other children.
The Incredible Story of Caden Dahl
“I have met and helped a lot of kids, but his one is special,” Gilbert Brown said of 17-year old Caden. You see, the Gilbert Brown Foundation first started working with Caden and his family when Caden was just three months old. He was born without a right arm and a short left arm with just two fingers. In addition, he has severe scoliosis and has had 10 surgeries.
The Gilbert Brown Foundation stepped in early, providing Caden’s family with funds for his surgeries, as well as gas cards. Gilbert Brown also organized fundraisers to help pay for continued support and care for Caden.
But this story is not about Gilbert, as wonderful a person as he is. This story is about 17-year old Caden. Facing incredible obstacles, Caden has achieved more than many other kids his age.
When his grandma’s house needed paining, Caden painted her entire house. With his toes. When he wanted a bike, he found none that could be modified for his disability. So, he connected the Gilbert Brown Foundation with an organization that provides bikes to children with disabilities. Now, Caden volunteers his time at Bike Rodeos, where he assists younger children with disabilities in getting comfortable on a bike and teaches them how to ride.
Caden has become an ambassador for the Gilbert Brown Foundation. He participates in various events, sharing his story with other children in hopes to inspire them to overcome adversity. “Caden has been ‘giving back’ to my foundation by sharing his story and by encouraging other children to make the best of every life situation,” Gilbert said, adding, “Caden is living proof that virtually every challenge can be overcome through hard work and persistence and simply believing in yourself.”
As one might imagine, Caden looks up to Gilbert Brown and, not surprisingly, wanted to play high school football. And guess what? He made the team. When Lori Severson, the CEO of the Gilbert Brown Foundation asked him what position he was going to played, Caden replied, “Why Ms. Lori, I’m the quarterback, of course! Just kidding, I’m the kicker.”
In addition to football, Caden also runs cross country. Not just an athlete, Caden is a dedicated scholar with his sights set on an Ivy League school. When he told Gilbert Brown this, Gilbert said, “You want to go to Kansas like me?” Caden replied, “No. I was thinking Harvard.”
You see, Caden’s goals are not limited to being a kicker on his high school football team. No, Caden wants to be a lawyer. He has recently obtained a job as a paralegal with a law firm in his hometown of Arcadia and plans on attending an Ivy League school (not Kansas).
There is just one problem: Caden has to walk to work. Even though he does have his driver’s license, he cannot afford a car. And that is where Gilbert Brown and the Gilbert Brown Foundation come in, wanting to give back to the child that has given back so much to others.
The Gilbert Brown Foundation Is Donating a Car to Caden Dahl
Today, Friday June 16, Gilbert Brown and Gross Motors surprised Caden with his first car. “We are delighted to help present Caden with this invaluable gift of a used car,” said dealership owner Mike Gross. “We believe that transportation should never hinder a young person’s access to education and personal development opportunities. By providing Caden with his first vehicle, we hope to inspire him to continue pursuing his dreams.”
Congratulations, Caden! Packers fans everywhere are inspired by your story and we are rooting for you in all of your future endeavors!
Other organizations involved in this momentous occasion in Caden’s life are the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners and Champions Riverside Resort.
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