Justin Knight

The North Atlanta Multisport Club is an organized club dedicated to the educational pursuit of triathlon, duathlon, aquathon, adventure racing, general physical fitness, and the representation of multisport within the community.  Visit www.northatlantamultisport.org for more information.

The North Atlanta Multisport Club and Steve Mitchell will build a bike for Justin Knight.  You may donate to Justin’s campaign below.

You can also mail your check to:
My First Bike
185 Shelli Lane
Roswell, GA 30075

Meet Justin Knight

My son, Justin, came into my life September 14, 1988.  I was a young, single parent but was determined to make the best life I could for my wonderful little bundle.  When Justin was born, there was nothing noticeably alarming to the doctors and all newborn testing came out normal, etc.  It was about at 6 months of age that I and the doctors started to notice that he was not developing quite like other babies his age.  Therefore, we went back for our monthly check-ups and were told he was just a little slow and delayed.  At one year of age, I was advised to take him to a neurologist for CT scans and so began the daily wind of doctors, therapists, AFO’s, hand-splints,MRI’s, etc.  I have to tell you though that in spite of all of this, he was the happiest baby I had ever seen.  Oh, his smile would just light up the room and his laugh was and still is infectious!  Justin has always loved being in the outdoors.  He has played wheelchair baseball with the Miracle League since he was 6 years old.  He is now 21 years old and still loves it.  He is a big Braves fan too.  He has also been a part of wheelchair basketball through Rockdale Parks and Recreation’s A.S.P.I.R.E. program.  Justin is also a gamer.  He loves keeping up with the newest video games to hit the stores and he is really very good at playing them.  He is an avid “Facebook-er” and “My-Spacer” too!  He loves being active and trying new things.  Even though he has multiple disabilities, he has never let that stop him.  He basically puts his “game face” and does whatever he sets his mind to even though it might be a difficult task.  He has never been a quitter.  Within the last year he has developed hypertension.  It is difficult for him to get adequate exercise as he is mostly in a wheelchair.

I have tried for several years to get him an adapted bike.  It just has not been possible yet.  In talking to Justin about the reasons why he would like to have an adapted bike, he expresses that he wants a bike to help his heart.  That to me says volumes.  I truly feel that if he is given this opportunity to own an adapted bike/trike, he will use it to maximize his potential socially as well as physically.  I look forward to hopefully joining the Conyers Cycling group with Conte Bikes!!!  He definitely has the determination!  Being able to bike together will surely give us some good family time as well as keep our health in check.  Having a “child” with disabilities is very challenging, but also rewarding.  Sometimes, it is even difficult to have fun!  I know that sounds crazy, but we are so unlike typical families who can just jump in the car and go.  We have to plan it all out, then be sure we have needed medications make sure the wheelchair is in tip top shape, etc.  Then we have to have the physical strength to lift Justin and the wheelchair into the vehicle to go anywhere.  Once we get to our destination, we have to do it all over again.  My hope is that with more exercise, Justin will be stronger and more able to help with his transfers, etc.

Justin is in his last year of high school.  He attends Heritage High School in Conyers, GA, and will graduate May 2010.  After that he plans on seeking employment in the field of graphic design.  He is an only child.  Sometimes, he gets very lonely even though I am right here for him for whatever he needs.  Me being there is sometimes not enough though.  He gets lonely for interaction with people more his age, not MOM!  He would love nothing more than to meet a friend who he could hang out with and do fun things with.  I think that having an adapted bike would allow him this chance.  Because it would allow him the opportunity to be able to ride independently and feel so much more confident.  Hopefully we can join the cycling club and he can meet someone fun that way!  Thank you for this opportunity to share a little bit of Justin’s life with you and thank you for your consideration!

More than 50% of funds have been raised for Justin’s campaign