CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Five children got special Christmas gifts this week in adaptive tricycles designed to meet their specific physical needs.
The AmTrykes tricycles were given by Clarksville Sunset Rotary Club. The children in need were identified by Music City Trykes, the Middle Tennessee chapter of the national organization, AMBUCS, which focuses on mobility and independence for children with varying levels of physical ability.
Three of the tricycles were presented to the families at High Pointe Therapy, with the other two delivered to the families by Rotarians with the club. The lives of these children are affected by disease and syndromes such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or other musculoskeletal impairments.
Lylah Hammond was one of the youngsters getting an adaptive tricycle, and her mother Jordan said they were both very excited.
“We’ve never had anything like this, she’s had multiple pieces of equipment but never a bicycle, we’ve always wanted her to have a bike. This is now a chance for her to be able to ride like normal kids, so we’re happy,” said Hammond.
Hammond added that Lylah has lissencephaly which causes her to have epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and a shortened life span and she has a lot of delays in life, but she is a happy, healthy little lady.
The AmTrykes were made possible through a grant from Rotary International, as well as contributions from Keystone Realty and Sunset Rotary Club members.
Other support was also made available by the Wingman, Veterans, Infidels, Legacy Vets, United Heathens, and White Bikers motorcycle clubs, along with American Legion Riders and the Wheelbilly Motorcycle Family.
Since 2018, Clarksville Sunset Rotary Club has gifted 29 AmTrykes, with a total value of approximately $18,000. Each of the AmTrykes is customized to meet the specific needs of the child with an average cost of just under $1,000 for each one.
To learn more, visit the Clarksville Sunset Rotary Club Facebook page.