IMPACTING LIVES ONE BIKE AT A TIME
"I am looking forward to riding with my brothers."
Mason W., 12, Etna
Cerebral Palsy
Mason is 12 years old. He has two older brothers that love bike rides. Mason would love the opportunity to hang out with his older brothers on their rides. This would give Mason the chance to hang out with friends his age and be a part of the group. The bike also means Mason gets some much needed exercise and fresh air.
Orange Testimonial Quote: I am looking forward to riding with my brothers.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Kristin Whaley, NCH
"One adaptive bike for SUPER(Ai)MAN!"
Aiman H., 18, Dayton
Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy
Aiman was born healthy, however, has had three successful surgeries for his epilepsy. As a result, he has received inpatient rehabilitation to aid in regaining his strength and coordination. During this stay, Aiman was able to ride an adaptive tricycle. Having one at home will allow Aiman to increase his balance, coordination, and strength. Any funding would be appreciated!
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"I want to be able to ride with my friends!"
Dalha A., 12, Columbus
Cerebral Palsy
Dalha rode a bike a few years ago and is eager to get a bike for himself at home! He wants to be able to ride with all of his friends in the neighborhood. Having a bicycle will allow Dalha to increase is overall strength and endurance, give him independence, and give him a way to play with his friends.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide's Children Hospital
"Levi’s super excited to be able to enjoy bike rides again!"
Levi B., 6, Delaware
Autism
Levi is a very happy and silly 6-year-old boy with autism. His favorite things are slinky’s, fuzzy pillows and blankets, and movies, especially Toy Story. When we get to be outside he enjoys swimming, going on walks, and bike rides! Unfortunately, he’s outgrown all the push tricycles. He still has issues pedaling and steering, so he needs a bike that we could help push and steer for him. We are hoping we can find a bike that Levi can continue to learn on and eventually ride by himself. We would love nothing more for Levi to be able to enjoy bike rides again!
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Delaware County
"I can’t wait for me and my family to enjoy bike rides together."
Leila J., 10, Galena
Global developmental delays, autism, cleft lip and palate
We adopted Leila from China in 2015 and found her to be non-verbal, suffering from malnutrition, have Global Developmental Delays, and severe autism. She is an absolutely tender-hearted soul who loves movement and to be outside. This bike would allow us to take Leila on rides to better understand and appreciate the world around her. This bike would allow her to engage in an activity that would otherwise be impossible for her. When she was younger, Leila loved to ride in a bike trailer attached to one of our bicycles, or a "toddler" 3 wheel bike with a handle for us to push her on.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: BTG Website
"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
"I want to feel like I'm flying!"
Paisley P., 5, Portland
Myelomeningocele (Spina Bifida)
Paisley is five and has never been able to ride a bike. She wants to ride like her older brothers and feel like she is flying. We have tried finding a typical bike for years and none have worked. Every time we go to a store, Paisley wants to sit and try them out, and it's always disappointment. She is just a five year old who wants to do things with normalcy. Sadly finding a bike hasn't been easy. Getting Paisley a bike she can ride all on her own is truly a dream come true. She is excited to fly with her brothers.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Kristin Whaley, NCH
“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
"Meradith would improve in so many ways if she had a bike."
Meradith K., 13, Warren
Down Syndrome, Autism (non-verbal)
My daughter Meradith is a bright, fun-loving, energetic 12-year-old. She enjoys playing outside and participating in adaptive sports teams whenever possible. She rides an adaptive bicycling during PT and loves it. It's a fun way for her to get her recommended exercise. Having her own bike would not only help improve her physically by increasing endurance, balance, and cardiovascular function; but also socially. Being able to get on her own bike and ride just like any other child in the neighborhood would mean so much. She sees the kids riding, and I know she wants to get out there with them but unfortunately she can only watch.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Akron Children’s Therapist
"The trike would be a long fulfillment to Elliot and something he would enjoy especially once he figures out he can go anywhere. It would open up his world to the community."
Elliot V., 7, Columbus
Autism - Nonverbal, Self Injurious Behaviors, level 3, Sensory Processing Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Requiring Substantial Assistance
Elliott is a 7-year-old boy who loves being outside. He would love to join his brother in riding bikes and participate in some form within the community at the parks and trails. He has a difficult time adjusting however, he would love the freedom that the adaptive trike would give him to be able to participate with other kids in his age range within the neighborhoods. Also, to be able to ride a bike alongside his brother and mom when we go outside for bike rides instead of sitting in a stroller. Eliott loves running around outside, the outdoors -His favorite color is Orange; he loves going to the zoo and seeing the zebras and Africa area of the zoo. He loves music and enjoys books - reading. He likes spelling words and the ability to be as independent as he can be. He is a sweet, loving little boy who also loves hugs, kisses, tickles, spins, piggyback rides, and enjoys eating.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide's Children Hospital
"The opportunity of possibly getting a bike for Catherine will mean the world to me and our family."
Catherine N., 5, Pickerington
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Catherine is a soon to be 6 year old girl. Catherine was a pre-mature baby and spend almost six weeks at the NICU at Riverside Hospital. She was diagnosed with ASD at around 3 yrs old. She is none verbal and wants to do everything a little girl can do. Catherine has 3 older sisters and always wants to ride a bike with them whenever they are riding their bikes. She gets pretty upset and sad since she isn’t able to ride a regular bike. We tried using an extra bike we have at home and it’s challenging for her to ride. She would truly be happy knowing she can possibly have and ride a bike that would be catered to her need.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Past Recipient of Bikes to Go Program
"Adam is so excited to get outside and ride around."
Adam A., 19, Columbus
Autism, Non-Verbal
Adam is 19 years old who is non-verbal with Autism, he has learned how to ride a bike for the first time in his life which is super exciting for him. He feels independent and is able to enjoy a physical activity with his mother and friends at the same time as staying active and fit. Riding a bicycle makes him smile and he loves being able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings around him. Thank you for helping by donating and making his wishes come true to own his very own recumbent bike! #stayactiveandhavefun
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nancy Mangini
"I'm excited to ride my bike freely."
Qatrnada S., 10, Columbus
Cerebral Palsy
Having a bike will hopefully help more with her using her legs and having more freedom and also playing with her friends/family/siblings.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide's Children 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.