Variety of Eastern Tennessee

Once a year children everywhere ask Santa for a new bicycle at Christmas. Last year that wish came true for several young patients at Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital. Variety of Eastern Tennessee granted new customized bicycles for six children with special needs. Working together with Quillen’s physical therapists and Carr Rehab, Variety was able to identify the children who were most in need of this amazing gift.

Studies have found that independent mobility is directly tied to developmental progress. The tricycles presented will help these children develop much needed motor skills giving them the opportunity to have more peer interaction as well as a great form of cardio vascular activity. These special adapted bikes will not only provide the children many years of entertainment and exercise, they will also significantly improve their stability and trunk support helping them gain mobility. Three of the recipients; Ryleigh Scott age 5, Jordan Clem age 10 and Destiny Swanner age 15, who are all very active vibrant children with cerebral palsy that would never have this opportunity without a customized bicycle.

Variety was overjoyed to be able to provide the children with their own new specially adapted bike. Since its inception in 2001 Variety of Eastern Tennessee has provided over $7.3 million dollars in funding to underprivileged children and children with special needs throughout Eastern Tennessee.