Nothing is more synonymous with childhood than your first bike. The wind on your face, the thrill of newfound independence, it is one of the quintessential rites of passage. But for those kids with special needs or physical limitations, it’s often a luxury that’s sometimes out of reach.
Our quest for a bike started with a contest…
The Great Bike Giveaway, organized by the Friendship Circle in Michigan, is an annual contest in which children with special needs can win their very own adaptive bike. My son, Will, a St. Johns County second grader with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, was hoping to win a Rifton Adaptive Trike so that he could be like his friends and sisters and ride around the neighborhood. The trike could provide independence, exercise and a moment to be like other kids. He uses it a school and let’s just face it—it is way cooler than a wheelchair.
The contest awarded bikes to those nominees with the most votes. Our familiy put out an all-points bulletin to drum up support, including reaching out to First Coast News. First Coast News Anchor Heather Crawford quickly followed up and aired a story the next day. Click here for video.
The community’s response was tremendous. Churches, businesses, community organizations and individuals reached out with support and encouragement. It was also through the news coverage that we became aware of other children in Northeast Florida who were also entered in the contest and had hopes for a bike made just for them.
A Bike for Everyone
Will ended up not winning a bike at the contest’s conclusion, but due to the generosity of MasterCraft Builder Group, he received his lime green Rifton.
Now, with First Coast News and Northeast Florida Builders Association’s continued support, our goal is to get bikes for the other children that participated in the contest. Six area childen also requested trikes like Will’s that were subsequently sponsored by area organizations.
Currently, there are 4 local children that still need a specially-made Duet bike that allows them to ride in tandem with another rider. Even with a manufacturer’s discount, they are $5,000.
Every child should experience the feeling of the wind on their face and the thrill of the ride. As a parent with a child with special needs, we know firsthand that sometimes the additional expenses associated with their diagnosis make things like bikes—especially expensive adaptive bikes— a wishlist item. But we also know, it’s the simple moments like a family bike ride that provide a sense of “normalcy” in an often stressful and difficult journey. Our goal is to raise the $20,0000 needed to purchase bikes for these remaining children:
Logan B. is an 18-year old with cerebral palsy and lives in Lake City.
Trace M. is a loving and playful 6-year old boy who happens to have a disorder called Lissencephaly. He suffers from low muscle tone as well as other developmental delays. He lives in Jacksonville.
Kaemon T. has cerebral palsy and autism. His favorite things to do are go riding in the car, being pushed in his wagon or a swing. Kaemon lives in St. Augustine.
Matthew A. is a 12-year old who loves to fish. Matt also has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and lives in Arlington.
This community has been amazing, and we are so proud to call Jacksonville home. We hope we can rally the community one more time to make these wishes come true. You can help by helping us spread the word and by making a donation. No amount is too big or small. Donations are greatly appreciated and will be accepted through April 1. Visit www.nefba.com to make your online donation.
About the Author
Blake Barkoskie is the proud and tired wife and mom of three inquisitive and energetic kiddos ages 7, 4 and 2. She is also the Communications & Events Coordinator for Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida. When she is not working or shuttling her kids in the rockin’ minivan, she enjoys running and grown-up time with her amazing friends.
