We were extremely fortunate to be a featured news story on WJAC-TV (out of Altoona) Tuesday night with this nearly 7-minute piece, which rarely happens on TV news anymore! It is a great overview of our three programs and highlights three of our amazing, Riley, Mia, and Alayna:  https://wjactv.com/news/local/charity-gives-life-changing-equipment-to-children-with-disabilities

Several things stand out as I look back at what’s happened these last 7 years.

• Variety is truly making an impact for kids and their families, who are then transforming us.
• None of Variety’s work could be done without the community’s help to spread the word.
• This news story highlights the daily mobility and communication challenges facing children with disabilities, and how through creating partnerships and working together, we can dramatically impact the lives of these amazing kids and their families.
• So many people still do not know that Variety even exists, or if they know of Variety, they may not know how generous our program guidelines are, especially when compared to other social service programs.
• The typical person (through no fault of their own) has very littler contact with children with special needs, and thus doesn’t know the challenges facing them.

To further Variety’s mission and impact, can you please think of three people to share this video with, in the hopes of reaching more kids and families that could benefit from our programs?

As an extra bonus, I have an update from Alayna’s mom.

In the WJAC news story, Alayna’s mom said that, “She finally can ride a bike with her dad and be outside and have fun.”

Yesterday, 15-year old Alayna FINALLY got to ride on the Rails-to-Trails for the VERY FIRST TIME with her dad, and even got to RACE HER BROTHER (above) — something ALL siblings should get to do with one another!

Alayna’s mom Kylie, and so many other moms and dads continually remind us how absolutely essential it is that siblings get to have these experiences together with no one being left out. Here’s one more of Alayna from yesterday – all smiles!