Liya and her sister Ella live just down the street from their grandparents in Queens. Every week the girls walk with their parents for Sunday visits. Liya loves to visit her grandparents known as Aja and Ajee where they’re always greeted with a smile as they burst through their front door, ready to get doted on and share Sunday lunch. Last Christmas, when Liya turned two years old, her grandparents wanted to get her something really special. “My in-laws bought Liya a big red tricycle for Christmas,” Said Rebekah, Liya’s mom. “They wrapped the entire bike up in bright wrapping paper so that it was a big surprise.” Liya and Ella excitedly tore the wrapping paper off the bike Christmas morning, and Liya had her first tricycle.
Photo Description: Liya and Ella sit on their mom and dad lap as they pose for a family Christmas card photo. The family is dressed in cozy holiday themed clothing. Mom and Dad are wearing red antlers on their heads, and the girls are wearing sparkly gold antlers.
The bike was an amazing surprise but it could not support Liya’s body. “We put Liya on the bike but we had to hold on to her, there was no support for her head or neck which is still fragile and her feet could not stay on the pedals” said Rebekah. Luckily, Liya’s therapist Dr. Ana knew about ADA and suggested that they take the bike to the ADA shop to be modified. Designer Adam El Sawaf took on the challenge and built a bike just for her. “I was able to modify the trike so that Liya’s head and neck could be supported and her feet were secured on the pedals by adjustable straps.
Delivery day was the best ever for Liya. When she was placed on her customized bike she started smiling from ear to ear and was ready to go for a spin. Her family pushed her down the sidewalk and she started to use the pedals. “That day, Liya was the happiest girl on the block.” Said Rebekah. She was thrilled to moving side by side with her sister as they zipped down the sidewalk with excitement to show Aja and Ajee her new bike.”
Liya loves going for rides on her bike. She enjoys feeling the wind in her hair and her parents can relax, knowing that she is safe on her bike. “We are hoping that someday Liya will be able to walk and hold her head up without support.” said Rebekah. “The bike is already helping to strengthen her legs, her core, and her neck. We couldn’t be happier with the amazing modifications that ADA provided for Liya’s trike, we are truly grateful!”
Photo 1: Liya at the Adaptive Design workshop trying out her trike with added support features. Photos 2 and 3 Liya being pushed in her trike outside by her dad. She is elated by the experience.
Liya is growing quickly and will soon need a bigger bike. ADA will be there to help modify another shiny new bike and provide whatever type of adaptive equipment Liya will need while she is growing and developing. ADA provides equipment and services to families at no cost. We are able to provide these services because of generous donors who understand the joy that an entire family can feel when their child can become more independent with adaptive equipment that keeps them safe. We would be very grateful if you could help us to provide even more adaptive equipment for children like Liya.
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