Start A Campaign!
Would you like to have a direct impact on a kids freedom, mobility, and self-esteem? We can help your organization, club, company, or family design a “build-a-bike” fundraiser. The cost of an adaptive cycle is $4000 and 100% of the funds you raise will go directly towards your kiddo’s bike! We add your orgnization to our center slider on the My First Bike home page and you can track your fund raising progress as well as meet the kiddo you will be helping.
We will add a 25% portion of the bike to your web page for every $1000 raised.
Once you have hit your goal you will have the personal satisfaction of presenting your kiddo with their first bike!
If you would like to start a build a bike campaign, or need help organizing a fund raiser, just email us at info@myfirstbike.org
Meet Sydney Hone!
Our little Sydney Ellen was born on February 27, 2002. Her dad and I were very excited that she had finally arrived, as was her big brother Ethan, who was 4 at the time. Sydney was a small baby – just six pounds. She was healthy at birth and appeared to us as a typical beautiful, little baby girl.
At just three months, Sydney began having seizures and was admitted into the hospital for several days in which she was poked, prodded and examined. There were many concerns over her inability to focus or “follow” with her eyes, her “genetic” appearance, her inattentiveness, and her low muscle tone.
As her parents, we were floored. How did we not notice these things? We have since realized that no one wants to search for signs that their child may be unhealthy or even just “different”. Almost always, it takes a major event to push one into action.
Thankfully, Sydney’s seizures stopped after a few days with medication and did not return. Several weeks after she was released from the hospital, the source for Sydney’s issues was revealed. Genetic testing confirmed that she was missing a segment of the outermost band of her first chromosome (chromosome1), a condition known as 1p36 Deletion Syndrome or Monosomy 1p36. This is a fairly common syndrome in that it occurs in one out of every 5,000 -10,000 births. This genetic disorder is typically characterized by distinct facial features, seizures, hypotonia, limited speech ability, moderate to severe intellectual disability and hearing and vision impairment.
It took us some time to deal with the fact that this wasn’t an illness that would just go away. To be honest, I think we still, and always will, deal with that to some extent.
The main challenges for Sydney have always been her hypotonia and her severe intellectual impairment. We began work right away with Early Intervention. Sydney’s father, Scott, left his job so that we could have a parent at home to coordinate the necessary therapies and appointments. He is still home today, as caring for Sydney is a full time job. It is a strain on us financially, having just the one income however, it is necessary given our situation.
Scott and I often remember back to our first meeting with Early Intervention in which we set our initial goals for Sydney. “Rolling over within six months”, “Sitting up within the year”….of course we could get these done by then. We had no idea just how much work Sydney had to do to even come close to achieving those goals. A twenty minute physical therapy session was exhausting for her. She would end in tears and fall asleep almost immediately after, not budging for the next two hours. Needless to say, the goals took much longer than we thought and we soon realized that we needed to be a little more realistic!
Slowly but surely, our girl began to grow stronger. She was rolling over after a year and sitting up on her own before she was two. At three, she began hippotherapy and loved it. She still does this today and it is truly amazing how much her trunk strength and balance has improved from riding horses.
Sydney also began using a walker at three. At first we kept it stationary and she would stand in the walker for a period of time everyday. I remember this being very difficult for her and her brother would often sing, dance and act silly just to keep her standing and smiling. Ethan has always been there for Sydney in that regard. He loves to play with her and make her laugh. There have been many questions from him along the way about why Sydney is different and when she will do this or that. He has always taken the answers in stride and been a fantastic friend to her. He has taught her “Ring Around the Rosey”, played endless games of ball with her and pushed her on the swing until she’d had enough.
At five years old, Sydney took her first steps on her own and by six, she was able to walk longer distances with limited assistance. The playground became the highlight of her school day. Over the past couple years she has learned how to navigate the ladders and bridges just like her school friends, albeit a little slower. Sydney is still non-verbal but the pride she feels from these small accomplishments on the playground is evident just by looking at the smile on her face. She loves other children and has always been a very social little girl.
Sydney’s work on building her muscle tone is on-going and it is often difficult, given her limited cognitive and physical ability. She lacks an understanding of many outdoor games or activities. She is also challenged by some of the movements and dexterity needed in organized play. However, Sydney loves being outside. This is one of the reasons why we know she will benefit from a new bike. She has enjoyed using the bike in physical therapy sessions and also likes watching her brother on his bike. To have one to herself would be so exciting for her and a great way to get the exercise she needs. We appreciate any help that can be given in achieve this dream for our little Sydney Ellen.
Donate to Sydney’s campaign:
You can also mail your check to:
My First Bike
185 Shelli Lane
Roswell, GA 30075
The Sport Factory
For over a decade The Sport Factory has been coaching athletes from junior to senior and from beginner to professional using a simple formula; pursue coaching excellence with the same determination and vigor that you would athletic success. For more information visit www.sportfactory.com
The Sport Factory will build a bike for Tim Beighley
Timothy “Tim” Beighley was born September 21, 1993 in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida while his parents were on vacation. Tim was born at 28 weeks and weighed 2lb, 7 oz. Within hours Tim was transferred to the neo-natal unit at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. There his parents learned that Tim had suffered brain hemorrhages. On a grade of 1 to 4, with 4 being the worst, Tim had a grade 3 bleed on the left and a grade 4 on the right. The doctors did not offer much hope that Tim would survive, and if he did, he would not have a good quality of life. Tim has had many surgeries since that time, with th
e first one being at 3 days. Tim has Cerebral Palsy, Scoliosis and Hydrocephalus. Through all of this, Tim has made great strides. He requires much care and many hours of therapy. Tim is now a rising 10th grader at Lassiter High School in Marietta, Ga. He is in regular classes with parapro support. Tim is active in the Lassiter Chorus and enjoys being at the football games. He is also very active in his church youth group. Tim is the #1 Braves Fan! He attends the games when he can and watches them on TV. He likes meeting the players and getting autographs. He also loves being outdoors and on the move. From his first powerchair at 3 and his modified electric Jeep, Tim is continually on the go. Tim loves life and loves the freedom to be able to get out and be with others.
Tim has a great sense of humor. He likes to call his therapists “physical terrorists”. Once Tim graduates, his top career choices (this month) are to be a Braves manager or a cast member at Disney World. Did I mention he likes Disney World? (Almost as much as the Braves) Tim has a bright future ahead of him. He will always require assistance and therapy to help keep his muscles strong and flexible, but there is nothing he cannot overcome.
100% of the funds have been raised and our bike has been presented!!
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
Meet Raynel Granell!
American Mountain will Build A Bike for Raynel. American Mountain is an up-and-coming outdoor lifestyle boutique based in Vinings, Georgia. They are locally owned, and have a friendly, knowledgeable staff of outdoor enthusiasts who specialize in preparing customers for their next expeditions. American Mountain and its staff are committed to having a positive impact not only on the great outdoors, but also in the community.
American Mountain will build a bike for Raynel Granell Lopez
I was born on November 24, 2004 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. My mom’s name is Lenis, my dad’s name is Raymond. My favorite hobbies were: skip and jump on and my brother’s name is Raymond Deydre.
When I was 3 years old I began preschool, learning a lot of things in English and Spanish. I am a very loving boy, intelligent, active and everybody says I’m super nice!
The trampoline, play with my dog, being in the swing, play basketball, coloring and others.
Most of all I loved to ride my bike around the neighborhood. I had just learned to ride without training wheels! I would ride around and visit my neighbors on my bike and they became very glad to see me and gave me juice and candies! On November 24, 2008 I turned 4 years old, and I had already begun my pre-kindergarten! My family and I were very happy!
On December 13, I woke up early in the morning with severe ear pain, and I went to my parent’s room. I told mom I hurt. My dad took me to the doctor and he prescribed some drops for the ear. I felt better in the afternoon, and evening. The next day, I felt worse, began vomiting and had a fever. My parents took me to the emergency room. The doctors rushed me in an ambulance to a regional hospital in other area. While I was in the emergency room, my fever became worse and I began having seizures. The doctors immediately sent me to the intensive care unit.
On December 16, I moved to an even better hospital in the metropolitan area in Puerto Rico. There I was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and I was hospitalized in critical condition. I was put on a ventilator because my lungs were weak. After several tests the doctors found that fluid had accumulated in my head and sent me to another emergency room in other hospital in Puerto Rico for an emergency surgery.
They put a “shunt valve” in my head for hydrocephalus and I was in the intensive care unit in a coma. I had tracheotomy and a gastrostomy. After having spent one month in intensive care I was sent to another hospital floor for two more months. Thank God I was released in March 2009!
The concern of my parents is that I receive the best therapies for my rehabilitation. My mom left all in Puerto Rico and moved with me to Atlanta, GA. in April 2009.
We arrived at children’s health care of Atlanta and I have received there intensive occupational, physical and language therapies. Right now I receive outpatient therapies three times a week. Thank god I improved a lot, because when I arrived to Atlanta I only opened my eyes, had much spasticity in my body and many involuntary movements. Now I have been able to get rid of the tracheotomy and g-tube, and I can eat alone!
In Atlanta I was diagnosed with severe bilateral hearing loss, and three months ago I had another surgery for a cochlear implant.
I am still in Atlanta with my mom. She lost her work in Puerto Rico and we are pray to god for allowing my daddy to find work here so he can come to live with us, and bring my little brother! My parents decided move into Atlanta for me, so I can get better special education.
I cannot speak yet, but I’m doing more sounds with my mouth. I’m still in wheelchair because my little legs are weak, but the therapist starting to help me stand up!
I love when they used the bike for my therapies and I cry when I have to leave the bike! I hope to someday have an adaptive bike of my own to be able to continue practicing at my house with my mom. A bike would help me to further strengthen my legs for walking!
I would be very happy if I could get a bike as my birthday gift or as a Christmas gift! Thank you for the opportunity!
With much love,
Raynel
Donate to Raynel’s campaign:
You can also mail your check to:
My First Bike
185 Shelli Lane
Roswell, GA 30075
The Arasi Family
Meet Taylor Flanagan! 
Taylor is my nine year old little girl with the biggest heart in the world. She is the older of my two children and loves being a big sister to her little sister Toni. Taylor has cerebral palsy and though she has a disability, she never complains or let her on obstacles get in her way. She is such an encouraging, caring, and considerate child
I often tell her she is my angel here on earth.
Taylor was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at fifteen months. At the time she was already receiving physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Her diagnoses came as a major shock for me because as mom I kept thinking; “what do you when you can’t save your child from unfortunate fate?” I wanted so badly to give her chances I had as a child, a chance to run, climb, dance, and simply walk. As a parent it is hard to watch your child have limits when we always instill in them that 
the sky is the limit. We all want what is best for them and with that come giving the world. My worries were normal but, my faith in God kept me believing in miracles. I didn’t know what journey God was leading me on. All I knew is that he had given me and her father a gift and it was up to us to nurture and care for her.
I like to say Taylor conquers her disability and not suffers from it. She had two surgeries over her nine years of life. She’s received many therapeutic services including hippo and aquatic therapy. She continues to exceed possibilities as she grows. I have watched her go from crawling, to walking with a walker, to walking with two crutches, to walking with one crutch, to even walking without assistance at all. She has gained much strength and endurance and will continue to do so with Gods will.
I feel Taylor would greatly benefit and would be very thankful for an adaptive bike.
It would give her the opportunity to explore her world on a new level. It would give her a chance to explore her neighborhood and community. It would help her to continue to gain strength, endurance, as well as self- esteem. An adaptive bike would give her a since of independence and it would enable her from her disability. The bike would give her a chance to play better with her sister and other children. This bike would give real meaning to the word: PLAY for a child as unique as mine named Taylor.
Thank You,
(Mom) Tiffany Flanagan
Mission accomplished! The Arasi Family has built a bike for Taylor Flanagan!
1st United Methodist
Meet Suzy Royal! 
Suzy and her twin sister, Mimi, were born prematurely on August 25, 2001, at 25 weeks gestation. Within days, Suzy experienced a Grade 3 brain hemorrhage. At age two, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Suzy has received physical therapy and occupational therapy since she was six months old. Today, in addition to PT and OT, she also receives aquatic therapy and hippotherapy.
Suzy and Mimi were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of Northside Hospital – Suzy for three months and Mimi for four. And although Mimi was the sicker of our two children, it was Suzy who ended up with the long-term disability. In her short eight years, she has endured a great deal of therapy and treatments to help her mobility. In December 2006, she under went hamstring and heel cord release surgery. She was a phenomenal patient and did well in rehabilitation. In the summer of 2010, she will have femoral derotation surgery to correct the position of her feet. This will do wonders for her posture and gait! A tricycle will do wonders for therapy following this surgery. It will increase her leg strength like no other therapy!
Suzy is a smart child and has done well in school. She is an avid reader, loves to ride horses and has a wonderful imagination. She loves to swim and sings in our church choir. In spite of her physical difficulties, Suzy is a happy eight year old with lots of friends and family who love her deeply.
Suzy’s milestones were slow in coming. She did not walk until age 5. Today she walks independently, but needs assistance ambulating steps and curbs.
Our family has been blessed with wonderful doctors, nurses, and therapists who have
assisted Suzy along the way. She’s a good patient and enjoys the attention of healthcare providers. We have faced many challenges with Suzy but recognize how blessed we are that, like I always say – “Thank you, Lord, that it’s only CP.”
Suzy has enjoyed an adaptive tricycle in the past. We were able to borrow one from our local school system. However, she’s experienced such a growth spurt in recent months, she has outgrown the use of the tricycle. We would love for her to have her very own trike that she could enjoy for years to come. We live in a small town with sidewalks and plenty of fun places to ride. She loves riding, but adaptive tricycles are cost prohibitive for us.
Our family was the 2007 Ambassador Family for the March of Dimes for Coweta County.
Our girls are such blessings, not only to us, but to all those who know them. Suzy and Mimi are very close to one another and enjoy playing with one another. For our girls to be able to ride bikes and trikes together would be wonderful. To now, that opportunity has been limited because Suzy cannot ride a traditional bike.
We appreciate your consideration of an adaptive tricycle for Suzy. We can assure you it will be put to good use and put a big smile on the face of a little girl who loves the wind in her face and speed!
Sincerely,
Beth Royal
Mission accomplished! Steve Mitchell and First United Methodist Church of Newnan have built a bike for Suzy Royal!
Please see our other open campaigns for your donations.