Haygen Cates is a 16 year old sophomore and a part of the Perry marching band. He was born with Cerebral Palsy, a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation that occurs while a child’s brain is under development. Cates has Cerebral Palsy on his left side affecting his left leg, left arm, and the logical side of his brain. However, that does not stop him from doing what he loves most.

Cates recently had a surgery to help recover his left leg and get him out of his wheelchair and walking again.

“I used to walk with my toes all the time,” Cates said, “so in marching band that caused a lot of problems for me.”

Marching in the band is very intricate and unfortunately Cates is not able to march correctly because of his Cerebral Palsy, but that does not stop him from still being involved. Cates usually plays the trumpet, but since he could not march he had to learn how to play instruments in the front ensemble such as, the bass drum, the suspended cymbal, ratchet, sleigh bells, and wind chimes.

Cates says his favorite part of being involved in the marching band is “the comradery and how we are all a big family.” The marching band has always been very supportive of Cates. At a recent sporting event Cates started walking without his walker and the band was with him every step of the way.

“[One of my hardest struggles was] understanding how to march correctly as much as I could when I did march.” Cates said, “It’s so intricate because you have to curl your toes at a certain point and keep your knees straight while still having all the uniform together.”.

Even through the many hard times Cates finds motivation and encouragement through his parents and his family. His parents are his biggest supporters and Cates says that they are always  “watching me like a hawk”, but of course in the best way possible. Cates is an inspiration to all high school students because he is not afraid to chase what he loves even though there may be obstacles in the way.