CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Thanks to Denver7 viewers, a young man with a rare genetic condition in Centennial has received an adaptive bicycle, allowing him to go for a ride with a family member.
“He finally gets to experience that childhood dream of riding a bicycle,” mom Alicia Spiers said.
Harrison has a condition called Lesch Nyhan syndrome, and requires a wheelchair. The family wanted to give him a sense of independence, a feeling he had during a family trip to Europe when he first rode on an adaptive bike. Denver7 told Harrison’s story and began fundraising through Denver7 Gives.
“Holy cow!” mom Alicia said, as Denver7 surprised her family with a check for over $6,000.
The family was able to purchase the bike from a company in California. It arrived in Centennial, and Harrison was finally able to go for a ride.
“Happier than I’ve seen him in a long time,” she said.
“I remember riding bikes with my kids and this kid didn’t get to go. That’s different now,” Harrison’s dad said.
The bicycle has a platform on the front, allowing Harrison’s wheelchair to be wheeled onto it and secured. It also has a small electric motor to make the pedaling easier, which is nice, since Harrison has a preferred speed.
“Fast,” he said.
“I’m so grateful to those people that thought ‘This young man needs something fun to do, something normal to do’ and from the bottom of my heart I am so grateful,” Harrison’s mom said.
His parents say there are a lot of things their son wants to do, and a lot fewer that he can do. Riding a bike is now one of those ‘cans.’
“He has a hard life and doesn’t get to do a lot of things,” his mom said through tears. “It’s so special to see him just… happy.”
Denver7 features the stories of people who need help and now you can help them with a cash donation through Denver7 Gives. One hundred percent of contributions to the fund will be used to help people in our local community.
