Variety hit the road last week to present more than 20 adaptive bikes and adaptive strollers to local kids – and there’s too much joy to share!

In partnership with BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 and The Pennsylvania College of Technology, we saw a lot of smiles last Tuesday in Williamsport, Pa. – including RYLEIGH!

Ryleigh received her new PINK adaptive bike and adaptive stroller (above), and her mom, Anastasia explained,

“We have been working with Ryleigh on her standard bike, but all the motor planning involved to be able to ride a bike seems to be where she is struggling. She has gotten so frustrated with her bicycle that she won’t even try to get on it anymore…

It is heartbreaking for her, and us, when she sees her twin brother, Gregory and the other kids in the neighborhood riding bikes together and she isn’t able to ride anything with them.

Having an adaptive bike will now give her a way to feel included, give her exercise, and help her master all the skills necessary to be able to ride a bike.

Ryleigh also struggles with endurance, and being able to walk for long distances or long periods of time. I often end up carrying her in situations like these, so having an adaptive stroller will allow us to go more places and be able to give her the breaks she needs.”

In partnership with the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit 16 and the Berwick School District, we experienced even more joy last Wednesday in Berwick, Pa. – including MALANI!

After Malani received her new adaptive bike (above), her mom, Nicole wrote to us and shared,

“From the bottoms of our heart, THANK you for allowing Malani to be just like the other kids in our neighborhood. She will enjoy riding her bike with everyone else this summer, and just being a “regular kid”. The way she lit up today brought tears to my heart.”

This is a short video from Nicole capturing Malani’s pure joy – https://www.youtube.com/shorts/445mXSpod6U

Don’t miss these news stories from last week that captured some truly beautiful moments:

• WNEP TV (3/7):  Adaptive bikes given to kids
• FOX56 TV (3/8):  Equipment for kids with disabilities
• WNEP TV (3/8):  Adaptive bikes donated to students in Berwick
• Williamsport Sun Gazette (3/8):  Area children get ‘life changing’ adaptive equipment
• Press Enterprise (3/9):  Riding high on custom bikes

Thanks for being a part of the Variety community, where it’s ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!