And on Day 5 the kids rode some more. By the end, they were all on 2 wheels. There were a lot of tears, happy tears. One of the children, a little boy with Downs Syndrome got on 2 wheels for the first time today. It was near the end of the session when he took off. I don't think there was a dry eye in the field house. I think I had a more emotional reaction to seeing this kid ride than I did with my own. When Alex rode I was giddy and happy. I just kept cheering and praising him and giving him hugs and high fives all day. I had cried when he didn't ride when others did, but when he finally rode - I didn't cry. Yet when this boy rode, I bawled like a baby. I had that lump in my throat emotional, feel almost sick, cathartic cry. I realize that I was crying for all these kids - not just in our session but all the kids out there who are in this boat. And our kids have had this amazing opportunity to be able to get over the hurdle of riding a bike. This is a life skill! This is just one more thing that we can cross of our list of CAN DO and DID ITS where people said "your child will never..."
Talk... Check!
Potty Trained.. Check!
Read... Check!
Swim.. Check!
Ride a bike.. Check!
My kid did it! He rode a bike. He lost his training wheels. He can do anything when he is given the proper tools and a chance.
I have hope!
Congrats to all the kids in our 11:20am session who got their wheels!
Thank you to Lose the Training Wheels & UNYFEAT.
Here's the kids - see those smiles! With Cory & Nikki from Lose The Training Wheels
Alex & Gia Carroll, president of UNYFEAT. I went to highschool with Gia so it was really nice to see her again and share in this experience.
To Alex's special volunteer helper, Brian. Brian was there for him. He ran with him. He walked by his side. He helped him when he fell. He laughed with Alex. He was quiet when Alex needed him to be. Brian had such a nice nature about him, he was very "chill" and laid back like Alex - just what we needed. Alex also had another helper Kim, who is a teacher. She wasn't here on the last day but she is in some of the other pictures I posted. Kim was essential in teaching Alex how to brake and stop!!! Very important!!!
Important Links
Media Coverage of Rochester Lose the Training wheels 2010
Alex's Lose the Training Wheels Journey
Alex & Gia Carroll, president of UNYFEAT. I went to highschool with Gia so it was really nice to see her again and share in this experience. 
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