My Nonprofit Reviews

My grandson Kyle has faced many challenges in his life, many more than most of us will ever encounter. He has a developmental delay that prevents him from participating in most sporting activities typical peers enjoy. A few years ago he became involved with Oxford Special Olympics and joined their cycling team.

Kyle has very poor balance and upper body strength and this has prohibited him from riding a scooter or two wheel bike and skating for fear of him being injured in a fall. He also has a bleeding disorder so a fall or internal injury of any kind can be very significant.

He rode a tricycle in competition. Although he loved to race he was worried about driving too fast on bumpy or uneven pavement or taking corners because his trike would tend to tip to one side. Last year in competition he took a nasty fall rounding a curve near the end of his race. According to the rules, he could not be assisted unless he was badly injured so we watched him sitting on the track trying to compose himself and finish the race. After what seemed a long time, he stood up and limped to his trike. He mounted the seat and finished the race slowly because his handlebars had been twisted in the fall.

Kyle surely represented the Olympic Oath, "Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt" He had bruises on his knee, elbow and hip but luckily there was not much bleeding. As he limped off of the track he said to me "Grammy can we fix my bike so I can race again!" Fortunately his races were over but he was so disappointed that he did not finish the race in time to win a medal.

Last summer the Parent Association at ACES Village School held an AM Tryke bike fair. Frank Matovic and his partner in Save the Kid visited the fair and committed to find funding to purchases bikes for some of the children.

One of he bikes on display was a recumbent recreation cycle. The low to the ground frame and joystick steering was exactly what Kyle needed to provide stability and support his upper body and arms when steering. When he tested the bike he said " Grammy, I'm not afraid I'm gonna fall of this bike!"

Kyle was placed on the AM Tryke wish list and we were so grateful to hear that Frank's organization had taken Kyle off of the wish list. Words cannot describe the joy and happiness Kyle displayed when Frank pulled up in front of the house with his new bike!

Cycling practice begins in just a few weeks and Kyle is so anxious to begin using his new bike this year. He has been enjoying learning to feel comfortable on his bike and practicing steering and slowing down in anticipation of his competition in June.

Thanks to the generosity of Save the Kid, 15 children who participated in the bike fair have received bikes or tricycles. We are so grateful for Frank's support. His love for the children and for the work that he does is so obvious! I told him he was like Santa Claus to all of us who were lucky enough to be blessed with being a recipient.

I hope I have been able to express what an impact Save the Kid has had on my grandson and our family.