KIDS WITH RECENTLY FUNDED BIKES
Tenley S., 4, Powell
Spinal muscular atrophy, type 1
Adam A., 21, Columbus
Autism, Non-Verbal
Alice E., 11, Mansfield
Multiple health issues
Jevian R., 8, Columbus
Muscular Distrofy
IMPACTING LIVES ONE BIKE AT A TIME
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
Noah Z., 12, Sunbury
ARX Mutation syndrome
He got to ride the bike while recovering from brain surgery. He really enjoyed the bike during physical therapy.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"To be able to ride a bike independently is a memory I will treasure like the photos I would looked back"
Aleena P., 11, Powell
Autism, language and auditory processing disorder
She loves to color, pretend play with dolls, telling stories, swimming, jumping on the trampoline, watching tv, play video games, and look at old pictures/videos.
To ride independently a regular 2-wheel bike is a life skill we want her to have. It would allow her to participate in a family and peer friend activity independently, and build confidence and self-esteem.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Autism Society of Central Ohio (ASCO)
"I am eager to have a bike. I just know I will love it."
Sam D., 9, Worthington
Autism
Sam is very interested in riding a bicycle. Though he’s blind in one eye, and balance will be an issue, nothing will stop him from learning to ride one.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source:
"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 will finally learn how to ride a bike!"
Mouad I., 8, Dublin
Autism Spectrum
Mouad loves to be outside. He loves to swing and go swimming. He also loves anything that spins and moves. He would love a bike to be able to go bike riding with his siblings. He often tries to ride a bike with them but has not been successful with a typical bike. He would also like a bike to help increase his independence and situational awareness.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"I remember being so excited about my first bike; I took it everywhere. But now, I am too big for it. I would love to get a new one!"
Miles M., 8
Deafblind
Miles is eight and DeafBlind. He’s active and loves riding his Razor tricycle. He currently likes to ride down an inclined path at the park by our house, but he has trouble pedaling it for distance plus he’s getting too big for it, and we would love to try and fit him on a bigger bike.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source:
"Carmella would love to be able to ride a bike every day to have something fun and enjoyable to do outside since she isn’t mobile to do most things."
Carmella M., 4, Twinsburg
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Carmella is a very happy, smiley four-year-old girl. She loves animals, and going to the zoo is especially fun for her. She has a dog and two older brothers who enjoy making her laugh daily. She likes to paint, listen to books, accomplish puzzles, and paint her mama's toenails. She really enjoys swimming as of lately and is happiest when in the water or outside. She is easily upset when someone gets hurt or is sad and needs to kiss their ouchie. She is a compassionate, strong-willed little girl. Carmella loves to ride her bike and swing on the swing at therapy. She loves to see nature and points out birds, trees, flowers, and the sky. She doesn’t let her disease or epilepsy stop her from being a silly, sweet kind little girl!
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: ASC Website
"Happiness is riding a bike with my family and friends."
Ayrys R., 7, Mansfield
Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
This bike will help Ayrys to be active and happy like all the other children riding bicycles.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Past recipient of BTG program
"Beep…beep… ready for my new bike!"
Nate H., 12, Blacklick
Down Syndrome, Congenital Heart Defect
This will help Nate be more active in general and work on his balance.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Past recipient of BTG program
"A bike for me to ride! It will bring me to the people I want to bond with."
Charlie C., 9, Dublin
Autism, ADHD
A bike would help Charlie to join his siblings in riding in our neighborhood. It could help him to feel some independence and enjoyment of his own making while being included in the group. It could build confidence. Charlie is trying to find his way to be “ in” with his siblings and neighbors for outside play.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Franklin County
"To learn something like bike riding will become my greatest achievement."
Bennett L., 15, Sunbury
Autism, Developmental Delay, Epilepsy
Bennett is an outgoing, outdoorsy type 15-year-old. He enjoys outdoor activities like camping, throwing the football, and frisbee, playing in pools, or visiting his grandparents' hot tub. He often wants to join his cousins when they ride bikes but he can’t manage the balance and coordination needed. Being able to exercise, release some pressure that builds up during school with a leisurely bike ride…I think he’d love this.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Delaware County
"One extraordinary bike for one playful boy please…"
Reed S., 9, Centerburg
CHARGE Syndrome
Reed is an ornery, silly, and extremely playful kid. He has an extensive and complex medical history including CHARGE Syndrome, history of stroke, autism, and deafblind. A blurb about him can be found at https://flutter.nationwidechildrens.org/our-miracle/
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"Riding a bike will be the highlight of my summer!"
David S., 14, Columbus
Autism and Chronic lung disease
Freedom, joy, happiness and so much more. David is a very bright young man who desperately wants to go and enjoy the outdoors and the world around him but is extremely limited due to many medical conditions. He smiled as I have never seen before when he sat on this bike. It would improve not just his life but his self-esteem as well.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"Cycling is a passion of both my husband and myself- we hope to see our little boy someday join in the family fun of bike riding. We know that day will come!"
Joshua D., 4, Columbus
Autism & Developmental Delays
Joshua likes to be on the move- he is joyful and laughs often! His body is often in motion! He giggles at silly things and likes to be with others. He likes animals, outer space, and storms, and being outdoors is a happy place for him. He likes to explore and investigate how things work.
He shows interest in riding a tricycle, however he struggles with motor skills, core strength and balance to maneuver a tricycle. We hope an adaptive bike will help our little one continue his love for movement and have his world opened up with the joy of riding a bike and all the places that bike will take him!
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: ASC Volunteer/ Team Member
"The best part of riding a bike is that I get to do it with my family."
Gaige F., 12, Zanesville
Seizures, Developmental delay
Gaige is 17 and loves the outdoors. We go on a lot of walks and having a bike would be another thing he could use outdoors.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"A bike of my own, will bring a smile on my face."
Liam E., 8, Obetz
Cerebral Palsy
This bike would mean a lot to Liam because it would give him a sense of independence. Our family enjoys going on walks a lot. He has a wonderful wagon that we use for family outings or if we are out in the community. Liam enjoys riding the bike whenever he's at Nationwide Children's Hospital for a bi-weekly physical therapy, that it's hard for us to get him off.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"Having a bike means I’ll get to explore more than I have."
Bryce M., 11, Delaware
Cerebellar AVM
Bryce is a competitive Hockey player. He enjoys playing outside in the woods and loves being outdoors.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"So excited to start on a whole new adventure with my bike!"
Shail T., 12, Reynoldsburg
Cerebral Palsy
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"A very special bike for a a very special boy to ride."
Matthew B., 12, Grove City
Williams Syndrome
Traditional bikes are scary for Matthew. He outgrew his last special bike. Feeling confident on a special bike would allow Matthew to ride bikes with his family and the neighborhood kids. I would love to see him riding again!
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"Riding a bike means I get to spread my happiness to people."
Simon S., 10, Hilliard
Autism
Simon is a 10-year-old ball of sunshine - he’s high energy, always on the go, and loves playing outside. He’s defied all the experts on what they said he couldn’t do - and his zest for life and smile on his face is unmatched.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"I can’t wait to ride a bike again!"
Kamden R., 11, McDermott
Rare form of GBS with weakness in all areas
Kamden enjoyed riding his bike outside with his brother before his hospitalization and is interested in doing this activity again after he gets home.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"A new bike means meeting new people."
Edmond W., 9, Columbus
Cerebral Palsy
Edmond loves to spend time with others. He is very social and excited to meet new people. Riding a bike would give him many opportunities to meet people and hang out doing a shared activity. Edmond loves music and swimming. He makes friends easily at school and anywhere he goes.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"Can’t wait to ride a bike of my own!"
Olivia O., 16, Columbus
Autism, scoliosis, health concerns
Olivia's excited to get a new bike! This will help her improve muscle strength and endurance.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nancy Mangini
"With a bike, I can go anywhere I want."
Evelyn H., 6
Cerebral Palsy
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Local CP group in Ohio
"She’ll be super happy with her new bike."
Khloe L., 8, Columbus
Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury
Khloe is an energetic, happy, and funny young lady. She is a hard worker and enjoys making new friends. She never let her diagnosis get her down. She loved riding the adaptive bikes while in the hospital and having one at home will help her to participate in outdoor recreation.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
"She is a very loving little girl and she will be so happy to have one of these bikes of her own."
KaShara B., 5, Charleston (WV)
Type One Diabetes
KaShara is a ball of energy everyday. For the last 2 months we have been in the hospital due to undiagnosed type 1 diabetes which caused a severe sezuire and lack of oxygen to her brain that caused brain damage. So she has weakness on her left side and have been working on walking again. When she gets on one of these bikes in therapy she absolutely loves it. She doesn't want to get off of it. She will be able to ride a bike with her sister and friends at the playground during the summer like most kids do. She will get the exercise that she needs and helping strengthen her leg. She loves being outside playing, she loves to play with her toys and stuff animals, loves to watch her cartoons. She is a very loving little girl and she will be so happy to have one of these bikes of her own.
Sponsor: Sponsor Needed
Referral Source: Therapist
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.