The day it all began…

Variety launched its “My Bike” Program during a press conference with Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald on Monday, November 5, 2012 at PNC Park.

“What a great program to roll out that we can help make children with disabilities mobile, give them freedom, allow them to interact with other children their age who don’t have disabilities… I can’t think of a better program for that mobility and for freedom than ‘My Bike’.” -Governor Corbett at the kick off of Variety’s “My Bike” Program

At the press conference, Variety announced a goal of 200 sponsored adaptive bikes for children with disabilities by Christmas. This goal was later exceeded and Variety received 220 sponsored or pledged adaptive bikes by Christmas 2012.

Aubrey was presented with the first bike of Variety’s “My Bike” Program by Andrea Carelli, Co-Chair of Variety’s “My Bike” Program & Senior Vice President of PNC, and Governor Corbett.

“Aubrey really loves her new bike!  It’s her new-found freedom!  The best part is… Aubrey doesn’t want to get off!  We are so very grateful for this wonderful bike!” -Jill, mother of Aubrey

“When Kody first rode his bike it was like a miracle,” said Kim, Kody’s mom.  “Everybody was so amazed that Kody could do something other than be in a wheelchair.  It was like he was just this typical child riding a bike with a helmet on and being a normal child.”