Our Kids

“Duece” was brought to our attention by Nan Bridges of the Muscogee County School system. Hearing impaired since birth, DeJuan has had bilateral cochlear implants and does very well now with his social interactions and in school. Mathematics has long been a challenge for children with difficulty hearing because of the difficulty in watching the teacher speak while simultaneously writing down the equation. Even if the lecture is recorded, it is difficult for the student to match up the recorded lecture with the equation he or she has before them when they get home. With new iPad applications this queuing of the equation with the teacher’s explanation can occur much easily.

It was the learning about this technology by Ms. Bridges and then her bringing Duece to us that allowed Pedaling for Kids the privilege of providing an iPad and the new math application to help DeJuan. Ok Duece, we know you will soon be teaching all of us in math now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Precious Kendall Barfield stole our hearts within two seconds of our meeting her. This 3 year old’s favorite color is purple and that is therefore the exact color of the new pediatric forearm crutches we purchased for her – along with padded cuffs for extra comfort!

Born with Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus, Kendall has no shortage and smiles and hugs for everyone around her. Pedaling for Kids looks forward to continuing to work with Kendall and her parents to meet Kendall’s needs as she grows. We are presently evaluating helping the family with the purchase of new AFOs for Kendall.

Wow. Talk about a support team. This kid’s got it! The day we met Hunter he had an entourage of family members that filled the lobby of the building – it was standing room only! It was great to see an extended family so happy and so supportive of their family member.

Hunter has Cerebral Palsy and Growth Motor Delay and Pedaling for Kids was thrilled to be able to provide items for the Culverson home to make things a little more easy for Hunter and his parents. And Hunter, despite it being late in the afternoon, was a sweet and patient little guy with all of the folks wanting to talk to him, hug and kiss on him, and take his photo a hundred times.

We look forward to watching Hunter grow up into a fine young man and hope we can continue to be a part of his life…

Victoria Hernandez

As a special education teacher at Northside High School Libby Campos has been played a significant role in the lives of her students.  She has done a great job for Pedaling for Kids in bringing to our attention children we can potentially help.  It is thru Libby that we know Victoria Hernandez.

17 year old Vicki Hernandez was born with cerebral palsy and is severely intellectually and physically disabled.  Libby reports she is very pleasant and happy in school and is anxious to take part in class activities.  She communicates her needs by pointing at items and pictures.

At Libby’s suggestion, Pedaling for Kids purchased an iPad for Vicki.  Libby continued to be the wonderful teacher by following through and downloading the iPad applications Vicki needed to communicate more easily and effectively.

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Presentation for Victoria, left to right:  PFK Across-the-State cyclist Joie Musselman, PFK Board member Mike Campos, PFK Application Chairman Erin Golden, PFK Board members Chester Fort and Jay Parker, Victoria and her mother Maria, and Victoria’s teacher Libby Campos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Victoria and mom Maria

Patrick Loncher

16 year old Patrick Loncher now loves cycling!  Born with Angelman’s Syndrome, Patrick has limitations that prevent him from cycling on his own.  However Patrick’s father Kevin was determined to get he and Patrick riding.  After a chance meeting between Kevin and Dr. Jack Sherrer, Dr. Sherrer suggested Pedaling for Kids get involved and help provide a suitable and safe bicycle.

The result was the purchase of a tandem recumbent bicycle that both Kevin and Patrick ride together.  Ways were devised to keep Patrick’s hands on the steering wheel and his feet on the pedals and Kevin reports Patrick absolutely loves being out-of-doors and cycling.  The bicycle not only provides an important new and stimulating social interaction between Patrick and his family, but it provides much needed physical activity and exercise for the still-growing teenager!

 

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Kevin and Patrick sit on the new bicycle for the first time at the presentation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Loncher family:  dad Kevin, sister Elizabeth, Patrick, and mom Kim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sister Elizabeth and Patrick on his new bicycle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dad and Patrick on the road!