IMPACTING LIVES ONE BIKE AT A TIME
"She loves to peddle and ride and after lots of hard work has finally got it down!"
Aamaris T., 17, Columbus
Down Syndrome
Aamaris is a 17-year-old female who has longed to go bike riding. She has been working with Nationwide Children's Hospital to learn how to ride a bike for the last 3 to 4 years and would be so excited to have her very own bike!
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children's Hospital
"I can’t wait for Maggie to have her own bike!"
Maggie D, 15, Columbus
Down Syndrome
Maggie has loved riding the bike at therapy and will benefit from being able to ride a bike at home to increase her activity level!
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"Reece will be so excited to have his own bike!"
Reece M., 6, Kenton
Down Syndrome
Reece has outgrown the standard size tricycle but is not independent enough for a bike that's typically marketed towards his age. He uses a bike in therapy that we feel would benefit him for a longer term goal achievable.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Therapist
"Having a bike would be one more way he would feel like a normal child and that is a feeling we wish for Colt to have everyday!"
Colt C., 8, Morral
Autism
Cole has a heart of gold. He is the most kind hearted and inquisitive little boy! He was born with poor muscle tone and failed to meet many milestones as an infant and by age 2 he was diagnosed with Autism. He immediately started early intervention but was still non verbal until age 4. Since then he has worked so hard to overcome the many obstacles. He is the child of 4 and wants so badly to be like his older brother in every way!
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Friends
"I am excited to be able to ride my bike with my mom."
Olena C., 9, Dublin
Down Syndrome
I am 9 years old and have been working really hard to be able to do more active activities with my Mom over the last year. My mom loves to ride her bike and teach me about loving the outdoors, and we create some of our best cherished memories in those spaces. I have a lot of trouble with my vision and need special glasses to help me see and calculate my stops and turns with my depth perception. I am making big progress riding my bike with my training wheels for extra stability, but still feel afraid at times to practice riding or venture on new trails that my mom really loves. With the right support, I know I can do anything, and I'm hopeful that you can help me and my Mom strengthen our love for riding bikes together.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: School
"A bike would give Ryan the chance to play and be active with his other siblings."
Ryan E., 10, Howard
Autism and Global Development Delay
Ryan has occasional falls due to balance issues. He is able to walk, but is slow and has poor balance. He uses a medical stroller for community distances due to slow speed and attention and concerns for running off. Ryan loves to be outside and ride his bike with his 7 other siblings.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
“I want to ride with my brothers and sisters!”
Mathilda R., 8, Ottawa
Rett Syndrome
Mathilda would love to have an adaptive bike to improve range of motion and to reach therapy goals. This would give her more opportunity to keep up with 7 siblings.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"We are excited for Jackie to get the chance to ride bikes with other kids her age."
Jacqueline C., 6, Bexley
Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Type 1
Jackie would like a bike so she can ride around the neighborhood with her sisters and friends. A bike would provide her with greater freedom while helping her achieve her therapy goals.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"We just want Wyatt to be able to be included in our family outings."
Wyatt M., 4, Mansfield
Peter’s Anomaly; Autism
Wyatt was born with a rare condition called Peter's Anomaly. It has left him legally blind. This bike would allow him to be included and enjoy bike riding adventures with his family.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"Sam is excited to be able to ride his very own bike on our family bike rides."
Samuel S., 4, Marysville
Autism
Sam is the most loving little boy. He is non-verbal, but he knows exactly how to show you his love. We like going on bike rides. Sam usually rides in a bike wagon behind my bike. He loves riding these bikes during therapy and he is always trying to get on his sister's bike, but he can't keep his feet on the pedals. Sam is also a runner, so this bike will keep him safe, help him physically, and he will love it.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Therapist
"We want him to be able to enjoying riding a bike like other kids his age."
Ilyas S., 8, Pickerington
Autism
Ilyas has tried a 2 wheel bike in the past, but was not successful. This new bike would be amazing because it would allow him to be like every other child. He would be happy riding a bike, knowing he is not different from other children. He will enjoy riding a bike because it will be a fun and healthy way for him to be active and a part of a community.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"He looked so natural while riding the bike, he had the biggest smile on his face."
Cameron Z., 11, Columbus
Spasticity/Epilepsy
A bike would mean the world to my son, because of his ailment he's only been able to ride a bike at therapy sessions or a previous special needs school he attended. My grandmother (Cameron's best friend 🙂 just received a bike a few weeks back and they both more than anything want to ride bikes together before the summer is over.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Co-worker
"I’m excited to ride my bike with my family!"
Mya G., 10, Mt. Sterling
Cerebral Palsy and Muscle Spasticity
Mya would love to have a bike that she is able to ride with the rest of the family. She has always been interested in riding bikes, but traditional bikes have always been too difficult. Having a bike that she can use will help her reach her therapy goals and strengthen her body.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Thor L., 8
Autism
Thor is 8 years old and non verbal. He is very eager to ride a bike but lacks motor skills and comprehension to do so independently. Having an adaptive bike will allow him to ride a bike with his friends and family providing an experience of a lifetime!
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
"I want to be able to ride my bike with my dad."
Marcy V., 21, Galena
Down Syndrome
Marcy loves to watch her dad ride his bike, but is not able to coordinate, because she is too small. Having her own bike will give her some freedom as well as some exercise.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Through a friend
“ I am so excited to hear about this program! Having Kara ride a bike that fits her...it will open up her world, I'm sure. We hopefully can bike as a family, all together!”
Kara M., 5, Marysville
Down Syndrome
Kara looooves to pedal around the neighborhood on her tricycle! She is getting too big for it, however, so her legs have to work harder to pedal naturally. She cannot pedal independently, so mom or dad have to use a push handle to keep her moving, but she loves the independence of riding a bike. She waves at neighbors and planes...everyone is a friend to Kara!
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referring Partner: Therapist
"I want my green bike!"
Gabriel O., 6, Columbus
Cerebral Palsy
Gabriel uses the adaptive bike in physical therapy and he really enjoys it. He loves to be outside and would benefit from having a bike to ride around.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children's Hospital
BIKES FUNDED!
“Having the extra support and being able to ride a bike would mean the world to Baylee! ”
Baylee N., 4
Menkes Disease
Baylee is a happy little girl who despite setbacks from her disease works so hard to do the things her big sister does!
Sponsor: Peer-to-Peer Friends and Family
Referring Partner: Akron Children’s Hospital
Cora M., 5
Spina Bifida
Cora is a very active 5 year old. She started Kindergarten this year and is thriving! Cora stays active with swimming and playing sled hockey;she loves to play outside with her brother, friends, and the neighborhood kids. Cora was able to get a hand tricycle that was perfect for her a couple of years ago and she loved taking bike rides in the neighborhood. After 2 years with that trike, she has outgrown it and we are eager to get her riding again with her friends and family! Having an adaptive bike gives Cora the mobility and independence that she doesn’t always have in her wheelchair.
Sponsor: Adaptive Sports Connection Donors
“(while testing a bike at Pedal with Pete event) I can’t believe the smile on his face when he rides!”
Kennedy, 6, from Columbus
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Kennedy enjoys playing outside and spending time with his family. Riding a bike can help keep him healthier and enjoying life. He can build up his strength and become more independent.
Sponsor: Pedal with Pete
“Owen can’t wait to have his very own bike!”
Owen W., 5
Cerebral Palsy
Owen currently has a tricycle but due to his diagnosis he cannot keep his left foot on the pedal and cannot use his left hand to hold the handlebars. He also has a difficult time getting his leg high enough to get on and off the tricycle. Having an adaptive bike will give him the opportunity to ride with freedom and independence. He cannot wait to have his very own bike!
Sponsor: Adaptive Sports Connection Donors
Referring Partner: Akron Children's Hospital
“Sophia is a very motivated young girl who just wants to ride a bike and will benefit from it in more ways than one!”
Sophia M., 13
Massive Stroke, Moyamoya, Adrenal insufficiency, growth delays, lymphedema
Sophia is 13 years old and had a massive stroke in 2018 due to the stroke she is partially paralyzed on her right side. She loves to ride bikes, play basketball and draw! She would love to have the freedom to be able to ride bikes with her sisters again!
Sponsor: Peer-to-Peer Friends and Family
Referring Partner: Akron Children's Hospital
“Jordan and his family are so excited for him to be able to ride with them on family bike rides!”
Jordan H., 12
Spastic Cerbral Palsy
Jordan is a 12 year old boy who has 3 brothers and 1 sister and he is the joy of his whole family's life! Jordan has spastic quadraplegic cerbral palsy with other medical conditions that require alot of care. His family tries very hard to fit him in to what the rest of the family is doing and are so excited for him to be able to ride with them! A bike would be amazing for the family so he can go on bike rides with the family instead of getting pushed in his wheelchair which also will allow hime to get exercise for his legs!
Sponsor: Adaptive Sports Connection Donors
Referring Partner: Akron Children’s Hospital
“An Adaptive Bike will be life changing for our family and for Cherysh!"
Cherysh S., 7
MECP2 Duplication Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Epilepsy
Cherysh is a happy and playful 7 year old who greets each challenge with a smile! She has a neurological disorder that comes with lots of disabilities and health problems. Every new skill she gains is at risk of becoming permanently lost once regressions begin and her disorder can be fatal. She is very smart and strong and does all she can to feel like a "normal" kid despite her challenges. Her disorder affects her muscles and mobility and makes it hard to ride a bike as she doesn't have the strength although she tires anyway. An adaptive bike would help her with her physical therapy that is so vital to maintaining her mobility. It will allow her a sense of accomplishment and normalcy in her unordinary life.
Sponsor: Adaptive Sports Connection Donors
Referring Partner: Akron Children's Hospital
“I want to ride too!”
Martha L., 17, Columbus
Spastic Triplegia
A bicycle would do so much to help Martha get some exercise that would strengthen her legs and muscles. She has nothing else that can do what a bike could do. She could go to the park and enjoy the summer more.
Sponsor: Adaptive Sports Connection Donors
Referring Partner: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"Karlie can’t wait to ride her very own adaptive bike!"
Karlie C., 6
Syngap 1
Karlie is a super friendly and outgoing six year old girl! She perks up when she hears her favorite bluegrass music and favorite show Boss Baby. She was recently diagnosed with Syngap 1 and even though she has special needs she never lets that get her down!
Sponsor: Peer-to-Peer Friends and Family
Referring Partner: Akron Children’s Hospital
Every child deserves a chance to learn how to ride a bike – to feel the freedom and fun with friends and family. For thousands of central Ohio children with disabilities, the access, cost, and training for the right adaptive equipment is out of reach.
Adaptive Sports Connection provides specialized adaptive bikes for children. Working with a volunteer team of physical therapists and cycling enthusiasts, we offer bike evaluations for children, purchase adaptive bikes, put together the bikes, deliver the bikes, and teach children how to ride the bikes.
The joy on the faces of the children and parents is priceless. Last year we gave away 70 adaptive bikes to children with physical and cognitive disabilities.
This year we hope to give away 400 adaptive bikes through our Boundless Challenge Bike Giveaway for Kids.
Bikes restore a sense of possibility and ability to those whom are often told by society that their life is about limitations and disability. Help us in giving the gift of health, independence, and the freedom of mobility through adaptive cycling.
Give the gift of health, independence, and the freedom of mobility!
For more information, please contact Sharon Schreiber, Executive Director
at sharon@adaptivesportsconnection.org or (630) 945-1787.