STANDALE, Mich. (WZZM) -- A holiday wish became reality for one West Michigan boy this week.
A disability prevented 12-year old Aaron Roe from being able to ride a bike. But a special holiday donation gave him the power to pedal.
"He's never had a bike. This is the very first time. Being able to be on his own," said Aaron's mom Julie Roe. "He's not able to balance himself on a two-wheel bike."
Aaron was deprived of oxygen at birth. He grew up with Cognitive Impairment. Much to his disappointment growing up, bikes were off limits.
"He always watched his little brother ride a bike around and he wasn't able to do it," Roe said. "Kinda makes it hard on him."
Mom took it even harder.
In November, she wrote a holiday wish in the Thanksgiving issue of the Grand Rapids Press.
Through the United Way, Walker's local American Business Club, or AMBUCS, answered the call. They provided Aaron with an AmTryke, the company's specialty three-wheel bike personally fitted for disability needs.
AMBUCS is a non-profit organization that helps people with disabilities become independent. The Walker chapter purchases AmTrykes through its national organization.
Money for the trykes is raised locally and provided from the state's Children with Special Needs Fund. Monroe says since June, 83 trykes from the Walker chapter have been handed out.
"I have an 8-year old son. I just can't imagine what it would be like if he couldn't ride a bike," said Walker AMBUCS Fundraising Chair Steve Monroe. "It's just overwhelming... it's an absolutely fantastic feeling."
By Steve Patterson