“‘Inclusion starts with I and needs us,'” said Swanson. “We all face hardships day in and day out. I just want people to understand that a little goes a long way. The littlest thing can make the biggest impact on people. Andrew is a prime example.”

Andrew Winter, a 17-year-old senior at Humboldt High School, has autism as well as special needs from being shaken as a baby. According to his adoptive mother, Lindsey, the brain damage has left him at an 8-year-old level while his peers have been maturing into adults.

“It has become harder and harder for him to connect to his peers,” said Lindsey Winter. “He struggles with sensory issues and gets overwhelmed very easily.”

But while friendships have been difficult, Andrew Winter has always had a friend in Swanson.

The pair became friends 10 years ago while both were in elementary school, playing tag and other games at recess. As they grew up, Lindsey Winter said Swanson invited Andrew Winter to be on his dodgeball team and to hang out during Best Buddies Club.

Recently when Swanson learned that Winter would be moving after homecoming to Ankeny to live in the Balance Autism home, he knew that he wanted to do something special for his longtime friend.

“Once I heard that he was moving away to finish his school year, I knew I couldn’t let him go without a proper sendoff,” said Swanson. “I wanted him to know that no matter what, he will always be a Wildcat and will always be welcome here. Andrew always talked about football, the football players and how awesome they were, especially quarterback Jackson Flaherty. That’s where the idea to have a surprise supper for him came about.”

Swanson planned a surprise dinner for Winter and not only got the entire football team to sign a poster, but Coach Derrick Elman also got him a Wildcat helmet.

“Andrew is not able to play football,” said Swanson. “But he always came to school with a smile on his face. No matter what the day was, no matter if he was sad or happy, he always managed to put a smile on our faces. On top of that, he would always give everyone high fives. He just was always so optimistic. Honestly, I think this was the least we could do, and it’s what Andrew really deserved for a proper send off.”

Last week, Swanson invited Andrew Winter to football practice and then to supper at Miller’s Landing in Humboldt.

According to Swanson, Andrew Winter had never been to a Wildcat practice before and loved watching Swanson and his peers prepare for the upcoming football game.

“After that practice, he told me,’Braiden, that was so awesome. I am so glad Coach Elman let me go and watch you guys,'” said Swanson. “As Andrew said that, you could just see him grinning ear to ear, you could tell how important it was to him.”

But Swanson’s surprise was only just beginning as he told Andrew Winter they were going to supper together. Swanson told him that it was just going to be the two of them, but when they arrived at the restaurant, Winter was surprised by the entire football team.

“It was immensely fulfilling to see his reaction,” said Swanson. “When we arrived he saw some players and he said, ‘no way!.’ You could just tell how glad he really was to see the football players. He also had Mr. Thurm, and Mr. Vitzthum there as well. It was really so awesome seeing that contagious smile he has come out the second he saw everyone.”

Swanson and the team presented Winter with the signed poster and helmet during the party.

Swanson was not only able to keep the secret from Andrew, but also from Lindsey Winter, who only thought the pair were going out to eat together.

“A parent sent me the picture afterwards,” said Lindsey Winter. “I then emailed the teacher. He said Braiden and a few others planned the whole thing. Braiden had invited Andrew to watch football practice and then join him for supper at Miller’s Landing. We did not know how many others would be joining. Andrew was tickled pink and so excited about the helmet. He asked if he could take it with him. My answer was of course.”

Andrew Winter will soon move to his new home at Balance Autism where he will learn life skills like money management, grocery budgeting, housekeeping skills, and other fun opportunities like bowling leagues, sports, and Special Olympics.

“Andrew is not able to play football,” said Swanson. “I think a lot of people take for granted what they have. People just don’t know how fortunate they are to be able to get up and do this every day, so being able to do this for Andrew and to give him a true experience he will never forget, was amazing. One of my favorite movies of all time “Klaus” puts it best, ‘A true act of goodwill always sparks another.’ I just hope people see that in this world that is so torn apart and damaged, and divided. Everyone can make a difference. No matter how big or small, Andrew makes a difference day in and day out, and this is what he deserved. Just think for a moment, all the people Andrew has seen in his life having a bad day. He sees them at school, but he puts a smile on his face and gives them a high five. It’s the little things. The little things that go the longest way.”