Allina Health Foundation surprises 9-year-old boy with adaptive bike
MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 14, 2024) — 9-year-old Max received his own adaptive bike to take home, thanks to the staff at Courage Kenny Kids supported by the Buffalo Hospital Philanthropy Committee and the Allina Health Foundation.
Max has ataxic cerebral palsy which creates added challenges to take part in activities that he and other 9-year-olds enjoy.
“At Courage Kenny Kids, we support children with a variety of medical complexities and diagnoses. A large part of our treatment with children is helping them to engage in age-appropriate activities such as sports, family outings and community access. Max is unable to safely ride a standard bike so we were able to find him a bike that will allow him to bike independently and take bike rides with his family and friends,” said Kelli Bader, physical therapist at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.
“It was a miracle for us,” said Max’s mom, Vera. “No one has ever done something like this for us. This was Max’s dream.”
Not only is biking an excellent activity for improving strength, balance and endurance, but it also increases self-confidence, independence, decision-making, and safety awareness.
“When we learned insurance would not cover a bike for Max’s family, we reached out to the Allina Health Foundation and thanks to generous donors in the Buffalo community, Max was gifted a bike that will offer him an opportunity that every child deserves,” said Shannon Woods Worden, Director of Operations, Buffalo Hospital.
Max has ataxic cerebral palsy which creates added challenges to take part in activities that he and other 9-year-olds enjoy.
“At Courage Kenny Kids, we support children with a variety of medical complexities and diagnoses. A large part of our treatment with children is helping them to engage in age-appropriate activities such as sports, family outings and community access. Max is unable to safely ride a standard bike so we were able to find him a bike that will allow him to bike independently and take bike rides with his family and friends,” said Kelli Bader, physical therapist at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.
“It was a miracle for us,” said Max’s mom, Vera. “No one has ever done something like this for us. This was Max’s dream.”
Not only is biking an excellent activity for improving strength, balance and endurance, but it also increases self-confidence, independence, decision-making, and safety awareness.
“When we learned insurance would not cover a bike for Max’s family, we reached out to the Allina Health Foundation and thanks to generous donors in the Buffalo community, Max was gifted a bike that will offer him an opportunity that every child deserves,” said Shannon Woods Worden, Director of Operations, Buffalo Hospital.
About Allina Health
Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A nonprofit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 14 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X and Instagram.