BIKES FUNDED! - Page 3
“When he rides a bike everything changes.”
Mohamed B. 15, Columbus
Cerebral Palsy
Mohamed needs some kind of exercise to keep fit and healthy. He hasn’t any. He feels truly happy after riding his bike at therapy. It helps him to change his mood. It helps him to take his meals.
Sponsor: Pedal with Pete
Referring Partner: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
“As a family we love to be outdoors, and Gianna wants so much to be able to ride her own bike with us on the trails.”
Gianna D. 6, Marysville
Cerebral Palsy
Gianna loves to be outside and play with her friends.This bike would allow her to keep up with her friends. She has used an Amtryke in the past and loved it! Because of the challenges she faces she can’t ride a traditional bike. She rides and adaptive Amtryke bike one during therapy and rides so well!
Sponsor: Pedal with Pete
Referring Partner: Memorial Hospital
“Look closely and you’ll see that the real difference in my son is how loving he is.”
Chase M. 7, Reynoldsburg
Crouzon Syndrome
Chase is a happy and loving kid with many challenges. Our resources go to help him overcome those challenges. He is the joy of my life, and I just want him to be able to have fun and ride a bike. He truly is a special kid.
Sponsor: Adaptive Sports Connection donors
Referring Partner: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
“Catherine loves using the bike during gym class."
Catherine, 11, from West Jefferson
Visual and Hearing Impairment
Mom describes her as stubborn. Catherine attends Ohio State School for the Blind and was joined at her evaluation by her APE teacher. Catherine uses a bike at school and would love to be able to use a bike at home as well.
Sponsor: Hiram Masonic Lodge #18
Referring Partner: Ohio State School for the Blind
“Jett learned to ride a trike in his APE class this year and loved it!”
Jett, 7, from Columbus
Autism
“Jett is a super happy 3rd boy of 4 in a very active family. Jett is strong and athletic and loves nothing more than being outside, any time of the year. Jett is a fast learner and learned to ride a trike in his APE class this year and LOVED IT! It meets many of his sensory needs and is great for his overall wellbeing.” – Mom
Sponsor: Adaptive Sports Connection Donors
“Jalaya is eager to get outside!”
Jalaya, 5, from Columbus
Autism
The family is eager to own a bike to help Jalaya to get outside and exercise, and to help increase her upper and lower body strength.
Sponsor: Adaptive Sports Connection Donors
“Avery loves to be outdoors…. (cycling) would give him an outdoor activity that he can participate in that he really enjoys.”
Avery, 6, from Lancaster
Cerebral Palsy
In most ways Avery is just like other little boys. He loves to be outdoors and to be active. He has shown a lot interest in bike riding at school. A bike of his own would give him the opportunity to develop his physical skills as well as his social skills as he rides bikes with his family and friends.
Sponsor: Pedal with Pete
“We are grateful to have an organization like this in our community!”
Gabby, 7, from Westerville
Down Syndrome
“She loves to ride her little tricycle, or rather have us push her now, but we are looking for something more age appropriate and that she will be able to ride independently. We want her to be successful while also having fun!” – Mom
Sponsor: Cardinal Health
“I can't wait to ride with my family!”
Brandon, 13, from Columbus
Leg Length Discrepancy
Brandon has brothers and sisters who all enjoy being outside, and this adaptive bike will allow him to participate with his siblings safely and independently! His face absolutely lit up when trying and succeeding on this bike!
Sponsor: Sam Dong Corporation
“He is very excited to be getting a bike and hopes to ride the rubber off those tires!”
Ryan, 24, Plain City
Traumatic Brain Injury
This healthy, active young man experienced a traumatic brain injury in 2014. The result of his accident was quadriplegia, spasticity, loss of tone in all limbs and left-hand contracture. After two years of therapy, he is finally able to ride a bike again!
Sponsor: Sierra Trading Post
“He wants to be like kids his own age.”
Kaleb, 10, Richwood
Unspecified Lack of Coordination, ADHD, Mild Intellectual Disabilities
Kaleb is a happy child who wants to do things with his family and friends, but struggles. He lacks the core strength, coordination, endurance and balance to ride a regular bike, successfully and safely. Born and 22 weeks Kaleb was not expected to live to his first birthday. Since being born he has had multiple surgeries and every year is a triumph. Grandma’s goal is to give him as many opportunities as possible to be a regular kid.
Sponsor: Aladdin Shrine
Referring Partner: Union County Board of Developmental Disabilities
“Eliot is a very active and social young man.”
Eliot, 8, Mount Gilead
Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
Eliot’s parents are doing everything they can to help Eliot stay active and engaged. They know a bike will do so much to help him recover from his surgery and gain strength in his legs. Eliot loves being active and wants to play outside with his friends and family. An adapted bike will help him do that.
Sponsor: Pedal with Pete
Referring Partner: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
“He wants to be like kids his own age.”
Carter, 5, Utica
Agenesis of Corpus Callosum, Heart Defect, FG Syndrome
Carter was born missing the nerves connecting left and right brain. When he was 4 his parent found out he had a congenital heart defect and had to have open heart surgery. Carter has difficulty speaking and lives with hearing and vision impairments and struggles to overcome developmental delays. His parents and his therapist want him to stay as active as possible and hope to get him a bike he can use safely and successfully.
Sponsor: Aladdin Shrine
Referring Partner: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
“When can I ride a bike of my own?”
Riarn, 11, Urbancrest
Cerebral Palsy
Riarn was born with CP. He has low muscle tone and problems with coordination that force him to use a wheelchair most of the time. His limbs have support deficit, and his leg muscles are beginning to contract from limited use. His dad is a bike rider and wants to share that with his son. He knows that having an opportunity to be outside and physically active, will be the best thing possible for his son.
Sponsor: Aladdin Shrine
Referring Partner: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
“I want to be able to share my joy of cycling with my daughter.”
Hannah, 12, Marysville
Autistic Disorder, Phelan Medermid Syndrome
Hannah has so many challenges, but she faces them all with shear perseverance, while maintaining a happy and loving disposition. She amazes me each and every day. As her father I am supposed to be the strong one, but I can honestly say I wish I had half of her strength.
Sponsor: Aladdin Shrine
Referring Partner: Memorial Hospital
“I would love nothing more than to see him riding down the bike path with his giant contagious smile.”
Reilly W. 11, Columbus
Smith-Lemli-Optiz Syndrome
Reilly has such an incredible spirit! He absolutely loves being around family and friends, is very active and can’t get enough of the outdoors. His body does not produce cholesterol, which is essential for brain function. In Reilly’s case this affected his development significantly. We want to keep encouraging his love of being outdoors and being active. We have never been able to afford a bicycle for him, and it’s not covered by insurance. It was a luxury that was always pushed to the back because of other necessities, surgeries etc. This is our chance!
Sponsor: Peer-to Peer Friends and Family
Referring Partner: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
“He loves sports. He loves being active. He is working hard!”
Dale B. 13, Pickerington
Cerebral Palsy; Triplegia; Epilepsy; Asthma
Dale is a charming, motivated, intelligent young man. He understands his diagnosis, but does not accept its limitations. He has goals that include more physical mobility. His approaches therapy and fitness with a “Can Do” attitude. He could really go places on a bike!
Sponsor: Peer-to Peer Friends and Family
Referring Partner: Athletico
“Please help our little girl unleash the boundless adventure in her heart.”
Brionna R. 12, Columbus
Obesity, generalized convulsive epilepsy; developmental delay
Brionna is a wonderful child but she has multiple disabilities. She has seizures weekly, but does have a VNS. She is developmentally delayed in all areas barely on a kindergarten level. She is also overweight, and I am hoping that the bike will help her with that as exercise will help her to feel better.
Sponsor: Adaptive Sports Connection Donors
Referring Partner: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
“Biking gives her the freedom to fly.”
Alea R. 14, Columbus
Osteosarcoma
Alea was once our active dancer, runner, biker, outdoor girl who played softball, volleyball, and lacrosse. She was a dedicated volunteer to Best Buddies and was chosen by her peers to be an officer next year. On May 30, 2018 time stopped. Alea was diagnosed with osteosarcoma with lungs Mets. She had a complete knee and tibia replacement that has caused Alea to lose much of her independence and mobility. Sadly she struggles with neuropathy and is unable to feel her foot and leg. At 14 she wants independence. When we came to Glacier Ridge to ride the bikes, I have not seen her happier in the last year. She rode 3 miles the first time and 5 the second. She wouldn’t get off the bike and she begged daily for a bike she could ride.
When she is on the recumbent bike she has freedom and safety that allows her to “fly” as she says. It is the ONE thing she can do that she did before surgery that she loved and still loves. Her goal is to ride her new bike to her friends house to have a sleepover. I pray we can make this a reality for her this summer.
Sponsor: Anonymous
Referring Partner: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
“I have to keep moving to keep my emotions regulated (it is a big part of my stimming) and it helps me build strength in my muscles. I love running around the house and backyard but having my very own trike would be so fun!”
Cooper S. 2, Canal Winchester
Autism
Cooper is the greatest joy we have ever experienced. He is silly, happy, outgoing and extremely intelligent. We want to continue helping him to overcome obstacles so that he can reach his full potential. He is going to move mountains. His PT recommended getting him an adaptive bike to help strengthen his muscles. He has an autism diagnosis as well as Hypotonia. We are hoping this bike will help him improve his motor skills and muscle strength as well as keep keep him moving in a more structured way.
Sponsor: Adaptive Sports Connection Donors
Referring Partner: FCBDD
"We just want to find an activity that we can do as a family and allow her to interact with her peers."
Maddie N. 9, Powell
Chromosome deletions on both 16P and 9P
Maddie is a joyful, courageous and loving child. Born with chromosome deletions on both 16P and 9P, she truly is one of a kind. She is kind to everyone she meets. She has been fighting and working since 6 months old to become the best she can be. Though she has the happiest disposition, there is much that she misses out on that typical families partake in. We are hoping that an adaptive bike will allow us to take family bike rides, interact socially with peers, and someday bike to a local ice cream shop. In addition, a bike will help her to manage her high cholesterol and weight, gain strength and coordination while continuing to work on her gross motor skills.
Sponsor: Adaptive Sports Connection Donors
Referring Partner: Adaptive Sports Connection
“He always has a smile on his face.”
Charlie S. 4, Plain City
Autism
Charlie is a very active 4 year old little boy who loves to play outside. He has been diagnosed with autism and has receptive and expressive language delays. He has been recommended for a bike by his physical therapist from Memorial Hospital in Marysville. He is a chronic toe walker, which has caused muscle tightness in his calves. We are hoping that riding his new bicycle will help stretch those muscles out. He always has a smile on his face and brings joy to those he is around.
Sponsor: Adaptive Sports Connection donors
Referring Partner: Marysville Memorial
“We just want her to be as healthy and happy as possible.”
Baylee H. 9, Westerville
Poorly controlled, severe, persistent asthma; muscle weakness
Baylee has always wanted to ride bikes with her siblings, but has never been able. With an adapted bike it would be possible. We are excited to be able to see Baylee’s endurance and strength improve.
Sponsor: Adaptive Sports Connection donors
Referring Partner: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
“Thank you for your help.”
Denny S. 7, Powell
Down Syndrome
Denny is a seven year old boy with Down Syndrome and alopecia areata. He loves music, baseball, reading books together and playing with his three siblings. He really enjoys riding a bike in physical therapy that is adapted for him. It would help with his muscle strength and balance. He would love to have a bike to ride at home!
Sponsor: Adaptive Sports Connection donors
Referring Partner: OLSD
"I can’t wait to ride my very own bike again!"
Rocky T., 8, Columbus
Cerebral Palsy
Rocky was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at around 1 or 2 years old. He has a twin sister and a large extended family and friends. Last summer, my wife and I took Rocky, his sister, and up to 5 of our other grandkids bike riding at a couple of local parks. Rocky had a standard bike like everyone else, except with training wheels. He did not do too well riding his bike and actually fell off a couple of times. He got to the point where he was afraid to ride it and no longer enjoyed riding. My wife and I have not yet started taking the grandkids riding again this year. We absolutely do not want to take the rest of the kids without Rocky. If we could get some wheels under Rocky that he will feel comfortable with, our rides will be complete.
Sponsor: Peer to Peer Friends & Family
Referring Partner: Third Hand Bicycle Co-Op
“Analynn is very excited to ride her very own bike!”
AnaLynn H., 6
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type #1, Hurler Syndrome
Analynn was diagnosed with MPS-1 Hurler Syndrome at 10 months old and underwent a bone marrow transplant at 13 months old. Due to the progression of the disease she has endured many orthopedic surgeries, along with many other obstacles and setbacks. Through it all she pushes through with a smile on her face!
Sponsor: The Bayne Foundation
Referring Partner: AMBUCS
“A bike will help Ben be more independent... like other kids.”
Ben P., 6, Powell
Cerebral Creatine Transporter Deficiency
From the beginning something wasn’t right as Ben missed milestone after milestone in his development. Ben has been in physical, occupational and speech therapy since he was 11 months old. He cannot write, draw or speak intelligibly. He needs help to dress, bath and go up and down stairs. He is just beginning to independently feed himself. Ben has an older brother who rides a bike, and Ben looks up to him. He has just learned to pedal at school, so we're hoping to give them opportunities to enjoy bike riding together.
Sponsor: Kiwanis Club of Powell
Referring Partner: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"A bike will give him freedom."
Colin S. 5, Columbus
Cerebral Palsy
Colin is a happy and energetic 5 year old boy with Cerebral Palsy. He was born prematurely at 26 weeks gestation and at birth weighed 1lb 10oz. Complications from his premature birth resulted in a 5 month NICU stay. While in the NICU a blood vessel ruptured in his brain (intraventricular hemorrhage) which required a VP shunt. He has had 5 additional surgeries to revise his shunt since the first one was placed in his head. Through all of these obstacles, Colin remains upbeat and continues to smile.
Colin receives Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy. During his physical therapy sessions, he rides an older adaptive bike and enjoys doing so. He will receive a tremendous benefit by having his own adaptive bike to ride at home. Having his own bike will allow him to ride bikes with his sister, build leg & core strength, boost his self-esteem and give him the freedom that riding a bike provides.
Sponsor: Pedal with Pete
Referring Partner: FCBDD
"I would love to see his face light up like that over and over with a bike of his own.”
Justin T., 16, Westerville
Down Syndrome
Justin is a happy and outgoing teenager who is now 16 years old. He has a rare form of cancer, lymphocytic colitis, Hashimoto's Disease and severe scoliosis requiring a TLSO brace. Justin enjoys shooting basketball, playing corn hole, and soaking in the pool. I have tried to obtain an adaptive bike for him for a decade now. Being a single Mom to 4 has left it impossible for me to purchase one outright. So, Justin has not gotten to experience the joy of riding a bike like other children and it saddens me tremendously. We went to therapy at the hospital where he sat on a bike...an adaptive bike for the first time in 16 years. His face lit up and he repeatedly signed "thank you". I would love to see his face light up like that over and over with a bike of his own.
Sponsor: Adaptive Sports Connection donors
Referring Partner: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Fatis M., 6, Columbus
Spastic Diplegic CP
Fatis is such a sweet little girl! Unfortunately, because of her diagnosis her leg muscles are very weak. Having a bike will allow her to be able to practice movements, balance and strengthening exercises on the bike. A bike will also give her the freedom to be able to ride outside with friends and family getting to enjoy precious time together. Fatis will benefit from having an adaptive bike in so many ways!
Sponsor: Pedal with Pete
Makai S., 6, Columbus
Down Syndrome, Autism
Sponsor: Monarch Title
William “Liam” V., 5
Spastic Quadriplegic CP, Seizure Disorder
Liam has tried many other tricycles and balance bikes in the past but nothing quite does the trick for him to ride it. He and his family are looking forward to having this new adaptive bike and the freedoms that will come from it, especially so Liam and his brother can enjoy riding bikes together!
Sponsor: Pedal with Pete
Eli O., 14, Columbus
Autism
Eli is a bright young boy who is anxious to get riding his very own bike! It has been amazing to watch his journey of biking over the years. That success has also had a ripple effect on other factors in his life such as listening, following directions, and talking. I have seen him become more proud, confident, and independent and that is ultimately what our family wants for him.
Sponsor: Peer to Peer Friends & Family
Avery W., 17
Autism, Epilepsy, Chromosomal Abnormality, Developmental Delay
Avery is a very bright young girl who loves to ride bikes! She is so excited to have the independence and support of a new bike!
Sponsor: Delaware County Board of DD.
Referring Partner: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Harper V., 3
Spastic Quadrariplegic Cerebral Palsy
Harper was born at 23 weeks with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. Harper loves to be outside swinging or walking around. Having a bike will help Harper improve her mobility and strength. Even though she has CP it does not slow her down and she is so excited at the possibility of riding a bike!
Sponsor: Peer-to-Peer Friends and Family
“We can bike as a family!”
Allison, 8, from Columbus
Autism
Allison has struggled to learn how to ride a bike. This has led to discouragement, frustration and missed opportunities. With the pedal adaptations and the increased stability of these special bikes, we believe she can be successful.
Sponsor: Aladdin Shrine
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 Bucey, CEO
at sharon@adaptivesportsconnection.org or (630) 945-1787.