Variety of Pittsburgh

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the surge of joy I feel when I see James on his adaptive bike – dreams really do come true!” James mother, Mary, continued “I also don’t think it is a coincidence that a few weeks after receiving his adaptive bike, James walked independently for the first time, taking 14 steps from the kitchen to our living room all by his self. This bike is much more than three wheels, a handle bar and seat, it’s a doorway to Freedom.”

Variety of Pittsburgh’s “My Bike” program grants individually customised adaptive bikes to eligible children living with disabilities empowering them to experience social belonging, joy and the freedom that comes from riding a bike.

Consistently parents report these adaptive bikes are giving children with disabilities the opportunity to overcome social isolation, discover potential in their lives and experience childhood milestones most of us take for granted.

“My Bike” is not only transforming the lives of children like James, the flow on affect improves the interaction and relationship with siblings, as James sister Krissy explains, “The day that I rode bikes with my brother for the first time was one of the most amazing days of my life. It may be the best day ever!”

The “My Bike” program has gained the strong support of partners like founding sponsor, Highmark Blue Cross Shield and co-chairs, Jerry MacCleary, President of Bayer Material Science and Andrea Carelli, Senior Vice President at PNC.

Variety of Pittsburgh strives to enable children with special needs to live life to the fullest through mobility, communication and social inclusion. Experiences that many of us take for granted are what grants make possible, even riding a bike.