Keep it Real Wednesday
One bike at a time
October 6, 2021
What a week this has been!
So many of you emailed us after meeting Michael, Delbert, and Rosemary in the Making Good episode. You identified with them, you shared your stories and verbalized your desire to have the same experiences for your loved ones.
There are many Michaels, Delbert’s, and Rosemary’s in this world. We received emails from 248 families who desire a bike for their loved ones.
Here are a few of their stories:
- My autistic brother has cerebral palsy and struggles to get around for long periods on his feet outside. He is also legally blind. We really want him to feel the joy of being outside again. He used to have a zest and it’s fading. We really want to reignite that joy in him so that his life is fuller and richer.
- I care for my 93-year-old mother in my home. She has always been an active busy person until a fall where she broke her pelvis in 4 places. Since then, sitting inside has been hard for her. Being outside and seeing people will help her connect with the world and community around her.
- I am honored to be able to stay home and care for my elderly Mom. But I’d like to also get her out and enjoying and looking forward to something in her day.
- I have been a full-time caretaker of my Mother for 6 years in late stages of Alzheimer’s. Our 2-mile walks have turned into ½ mile walks because of her physical abilities and even that is a struggle. She has always been an outdoor lady.
- My granddaughter is 8 years old. She was born with many various abnormalities that have resulted in many surgeries and medical procedures. She is filled with happiness and brings tremendous joy to all who have been in her midst. Because of restrictions with her little legs and eyesight, she is not able to experience riding a bicycle of her own
- I have survived bone cancer in my tibia which limits my mobility, and I cannot join my husband in his long walks or bike rides. I have also survived years of heart failure with the blessing of the gift of life of a heart transplant. The isolation gets lonely and sometimes depressing. Having a bike would allow me to take advantage of the many paved trails that are all over our area with my husband.
- My autistic brother has cerebral palsy and struggles to get around for long periods on his feet outside. He is also legally blind. We really want him to feel the joy of being outside again
When the Blessing Bike 501c3 was formed, Wade and I put all the start-up expenses on a personal credit card and hoped and prayed it would all work out. And it did. Three years later, the Blessing Bike has helped 85 families or facilities and the ripple of joy continues.
All of these stories you shared with the episode aired has touched our hearts tremendously. We hope that someday we are able to help ALL of you. As of now, we participate in about 40 bike sales a year as we are now structured.
One bike and one family at a time.
We are not going to put a limit on miracles so who knows what’s next?
Thank you ALL for sharing your stories and for all your heartfelt feedback.
