JOY, JOY, & MORE JOY – something to smile about
This holiday season, Variety had the chance to present more than 80 pieces of adaptive equipment during 5 presentations to kids with disabilities, and it was pure JOY, JOY, JOY!
In partnership with the Central Intermediate Unit #10, Forbes Hospital, PlayWorks, Range Resources, and Saint Vincent Hospital, we presented 35 adaptive bikes, 15 adaptive strollers, and 32 communication devices (worth $123,900).
Here’s a few highlights to smile along with us!
Zane received his new adaptive bike AND communication device during a presentation with PlayWorks in Morgantown, WV. His mom, Autumn described the bike’s impact simply by saying, “Zane loves being outdoors. He struggles with a regular bike, so he usually chases his sister rather than getting to ride with her.” Now, Zane will get to just be a kid and ride bikes alongside his sister.
For Brylee and her parents, a communication device will have a significant impact to daily life. Her mom, Candace told us,
“Though our daughter can be verbal, she really isn’t. When you ask Brylee ‘how was your day,’ or ‘what did you do in school today,’ or ‘what do you want for dinner,’ her response is usually silence. On occasion she will give you just a repetitive response she has heard a million times and what she thinks to be the appropriate response, but it’s mostly a one-sided conversation…which has been one of the most heartbreaking things.
Another big hurdle for us is not knowing what could be wrong with our daughter when she is sick, or when something is hurting her. When you have a child that just starts crying her eyes out for no reason, but cannot communicate to you that her belly hurts, or that she stepped on something and now her foot hurts because she has no way to communicate to you is very freighting.
Being able to know what is wrong with her when she is sick and being able to have more conversations with her that are no longer one sided is huge!”
After Noah got his new adaptive stroller at Range Resources, he and his mom were planning to take a stroll around the Mall at Robinson – something they struggled to do previously. His mom, Christine told us, “We can’t wait for Noah to get his stroller. It will make going to and from school so much easier. We will be able to go to the mall, out for walks, and to the amusement park without worrying about Noah running away. We will not have to strain so much carrying him as well.”
During our five recent presentations, we were grateful to have local media coverage, which will hopefully enable more kids to be identified and receive this life-changing equipment. Click on the links below to share in Variety’s “Tour de Joy”.
- Presentation with CIU #10 (Clearfield County):
- Presentation with Forbes Hospital (Allegheny County):
- Presentation with Range Resources (Allegheny County):
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- WTAE-TV
- Presentation with Saint Vincent Hospital (Erie County):
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
2 thoughts on “JOY, JOY, & MORE JOY – something to smile about”
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My granddaughter has Down’s syndrome and can’t ride a bike she is afraid of falling
Would she be eligible for the program that teaches them how to ride a bike? I think it would be wonderful as well as great way to get her exercise
Please tell me if Anna would be eligible? Cost of bike?
Thanks
Blessings
Pat
Hi Pat,
Thanks so much for reaching out. It sounds like an adaptive bike could be very beneficial for your granddaughter.
Specifically, our “My Bike” Program does have an application process with a couple eligibility requirements.
You can read more about those by visiting https://www.varietypittsburgh.org/my-bike/apply/.
For families that qualify for our program, there is no cost for the equipment.
If needed, we can always mail you an application to review and complete. Just let us know.
Have a wonderful day, Pat!