Meet Gunnar, a remarkable young boy from the hills of Appalachia in Southeastern Kentucky, living with Full Trisomy 18 and Klinefelter’s Syndrome. Born on December 1, 2015, at just 34 weeks and weighing 2 lbs 8 oz, Gunnar spent several weeks in the NICU at the University of Kentucky hospital. Known as ‘Gunnar the Runner,’ he may not be able to stand on his own, but his passion for running rivals that of his siblings, who also run Track and Cross Country. Gunnar is always on the move!

Despite countless surgeries and operations, he continues to thrive with a G-tube and dual cochlear implants—the first child with Trisomy 18 on record to receive them—helping him hear all the world has to say. Gunnar’s joy is contagious, and he steals hearts everywhere he goes. He loves playing ball, riding the RZR through the mountains, swimming, listening to music (Kane Brown is his favorite), and watching NASCAR. Gunnar’s spirit and zest for life inspire everyone around him!