80 Stories, 80 Days: Jackson’s Gift - Riding Everywhere with His Brother

This wonderful story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.  

Written by Laura Kozisek:

Jackson riding all over on his bike from Variety.

My son Jackson, age 11, has a disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis. Basically, he has benign tumors that are growing on most of his major organs. The tumors on his brain cause seizures. In addition, he is epileptic, Autistic and OCD. Because of his developmental delays, he is unable to ride a regular bike. His brain doesn't allow him to focus on balance, pedaling, turning, and stopping all at the same time. Last year, we found a big wheel type bike that he could ride around the neighborhood with his brother, however, he has outgrown this "bike". Variety sponsored Jackson and provided him with the most awesome bike. It is a four wheel pedal bike. It doesn't require that he balance it because it is on 4 wheels. When he is riding on the sidewalk and falls off because he doesn't go in a straight line, it doesn't get stuck. It doesn't get stuck on every bump in the side walk. It just goes everywhere. We got it out on one of the warmer days this winter. There was still ice on our driveway. He was riding it on the ice and was so excited because he was a "zamboni" from the ice rink. He also loves riding around with his brother and his friends. Some nights, it is hard to get him to come in. Thanks Variety for giving Jackson the ability to ride a bike with his brother and friends!  

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.  

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

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