Why two Somerset girls will be able to ride their own bikes this summer

JOHNSTOWN ― Two Somerset County girls are glad that spring is finally here because, for the first time, they have their very own bikes to ride outside with their siblings and friends.

Kaidence Firestone and Taylor Ogline, both from the Somerset area, received their adaptive bikes on April 4 from Variety, the Children’s Charity and its partners the Hidden Valley Foundation and Blackburn’s medical equipment.

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The girls were among 13 children and youth from the Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 (AIU8) service area to receive adaptive bikes and strollers at the presentation held at the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center.

How does Variety help local families?

“Presentation days are the best days,” said Tom Baker, CEO of Variety, a nonprofit organization based in Pittsburgh that provides adaptive bikes, adaptive strollers and communication devices to children with disabilities and their families.

“The power of being invited, spending time with your siblings, your cousins, neighbors – and with the strollers, the ability for families to go out to restaurants for the first time, to be much more comfortable going to the store, things that a lot of folks take for granted become much more the norm for them to be able to do with their kids, which is wonderful.”

During the last 12 years of its 97-year existence as a charitable organization, Variety has presented more than 400 adaptive bikes, strollers or communication devices (valued at over $630,000) to children and youth in Somerset, Cambria, Bedford and Blair counties through its partnership with AIU8.

The cost of the adaptive equipment is covered by donors such as the Hidden Valley Foundation, which designates its donations for the Somerset County community, and through Variety fundraising events.

Funds are available for more Somerset County children with disabilities to receive similar equipment; for more information, visit the Variety website at varietypittsburgh.org/applynow or contact the Variety office at 724-933-0460 or info@varietypittsburgh.org.

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Riding their bikes for the first time

Kaidence Firestone is 6 years old and the oldest of Cy and Ashley Firestone’s three daughters. She was diagnosed with autism last summer, but she has been receiving physical and occupational therapy from AIU8 since she was an infant.

Her physical therapist, Kelsey Walker, said “Kaidence is unable to ride a two-wheeled bicycle due to balance, strength and coordination. By riding the (adaptive) bike, Kaidence can improve her circulation, increase leg strength and range of motion, and improve her endurance.”

Kaidence’s mom, Ashley, said the adaptive bike will allow Kaidence to ride her bike in her driveway and on bike trails with the rest of the family.

“(The bike) will help her manage her balance a lot better,” Ashley said. “I can also help intervene if she’s having trouble with something. It has a wider stance, it has different adaptabilities for even just sitting, versus a traditional bike (where) you have to balance yourself (using) the two handlebars and the foot pedals.

“She walks on her own, she doesn’t have any other adaptable equipment, but when it comes to bikes or anything that other kids just kind of hop on and learn much easier than her, this is where (the bike) comes in and it is really helpful for her.”

Taylor Ogline is 5 years old and has cerebral palsy, so until now, she hasn’t been able to go on bike rides with her older brother, Quincy.

Kaylee Ogline, Taylor’s mom, said the adaptive bike means Taylor and her family can enjoy more outdoor activities together.

"It means we can have that family time,” Kaylee said. “We love going for walks and they love being outside, and it definitely put a damper on us being able to (do that). She would ride her scooter, but then he (Quincy) would be on his bike and she would get upset. (The bike) makes it a lot easier.”

“She’s very excited, she can’t wait (to ride it). Now with her having a bike, I’m sure we’ll ride other places.”

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Fostering family, peer relationships

This is the life-changing impact of Variety’s work, Baker said, giving these children and youth the opportunity to have traditional experiences with their family and peers. He joined Variety as its CEO in January, succeeding Charles LaVallee.

“Just seeing the joy, and relief, from family members ... just the true, immediate impact and difference that the adaptive bike and stroller makes for them,” Baker said. “The ability to be out in society more, enjoying their community, for the kids to be invited to hang out with other friends and new friends. The looks on (their) brothers and sisters when they come and see their own brother or sister get a bike or a stroller, knowing that will be able to change their relationship as well in a positive way.

“We have a wonderful team, and great supporters, so it’s been nothing but inspiring every single day.”

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Children from four PA counties receive adaptive bikes, strollers from Variety