Harrison Clausnitzer from Lakeville, MN served as the ambassador for the 2021 Walk and Roll to raise money to support Gillette Children’s. 

Due to COVID-19 precautions, the Walk and Roll was once again a neighborhood event with families using their creativity to be active and advocate for Gillette. A special online kickoff ramped up the excitement on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 18 before people headed out to walk, roll or move in the location of thier choice. Later in the afternoon, another online event allowed participants to share videos, photos and stories.

Harrison and his family are Walk and Roll veterans and have participated in the event for the past 3 years. “Harrison just LIVES for the Walk and Roll!” exclaims his mother, Megan Clausnitzer. “When we heard he was picked to be the ambassador for this event Harrison let out a big “Hooray!”

The 2021 Walk and Roll was even more special for Harrison because he was rolling in his new power wheelchair. Just before the event, he was fitted for the chair with a team of Gillette experts at the Phalen Clinic.

The new wheelchair gave Harrison some more independence as he began kindergarten. It also allows him to be faster as he plays with his sister Amelia and chases his two beagles—Archie and Cosmo.

“Harrison is working with the specialists at Gillette to learn how to control his wheelchair by using eye control,” says his mother, Megan.

Harrison has been coming to Gillette since he was one month old. “I feel like Gillette is part of our family,” Megan adds. Harrison is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and he receives care from many Gillette providers. He regularly sees pediatric neurologist, Tim Feyma, MD and pediatric rehabilitation medicine specialist, Nanette Aldahondo, MD. He also has sessions with Gillette occupational, physical and speech therapists.

“We really value our long-term relationship with Gillette,” Megan says.

“Harrison loves sports of all kinds and is especially excited to be part of this fun, family event to help Gillette,” Megan adds. “Just a few weeks ago we were lucky enough to get Harrison a new trike due to grant money we received through the Gillette Sports Fund. Harrison is excited to pick out his new helmet and ride around the neighborhood.”

Megan Clausnitzer encourages everyone to participate in Walk and Roll. “It’s an amazing way to get connected with the community. If you have a child in your life who uses a wheelchair or has a health condition, it’s a great opportunity for that child to be active and see other kids who have similar conditions. Gillette lets Harrison be a kid—and that’s incredibly valuable.”