Variety Family Spotlight: Elise's First Ride

Elise Ballard is a girl on the go, so her family wanted to get her a tricycle she could call her own. Working with their case manger Elise's mom, Kelly, contacted Variety to see what all was involved with getting an adaptive trike. Through submitting a little paperwork and getting quotes from the bike manufacturer, they were able to secure Elise's trike. 

When Elise was presented her trike, her first ride was memorable for her family. She immediately found and rang the bell. As she started peddling, she began laughing and smiling. Her excitement only grew as she felt the breeze on her face as she sped down the small hill in front of their house. 

Before receiving her trike, Elise would run beside her younger sister, Abby, as she peddled around the neighborhood. Now, the girls can play together. Because of her trike, Elise has made huge improvements on her flexibly, speed, and strength. It has also allowed the Ballards to ride together for a fun family activity. They love that it is easier to get outside and be apart of the community they live in. 

When Elise isn't busy riding with her sister and friends, she attends all day kindergarden where her favorite subjects are music and reading. She also enjoys dressing up, playing games, and playing with her dolls and train set. Variety the Children's Charity of Kansas City is so honored we could assist Elise and her family with their trike. There's nothing better than helping kids gain mobility and confidence! 

View Elise's first ride!

Volunteer Spotlight

On December 3^rd, Variety The Children’s Charity of Kansas City was proud to be apart of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Variety visited Harmony Elementary School in Overland Park, Kansas to present an adaptive bicycle to Harry Pettes. Harry was born with Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia and never had the opportunity to ride a bike. So, his school rallied around him and adopted the Catie Cares program to raise funds. As a result of selling pizza, candy and water, the amazing kids at Harmony Elementary raised over $900 all going towards Harry's first bike.

The Catie Cares program was envisioned by Variety child, Catie Flourney. After receiving her adaptive bicycle, Catie was inspired to give back to other kids with mobility needs. She encourages all kids to get involved with their families, friends, and classmates to help others. If you are interested in the Catie Cares program, make sure to check it out and get involved! 

Variety Spotlight Shines on Drew Six

Variety the Children's Charity of Greater Kansas City is excited to celebrate the song release of Drew Six’s newest recording, We Choose Livin, this Thursday at Haus in Martini Corner. He originally wrote the song for the kids of Variety, and then performed it with our Danielle Coulter at the 2012 Variety Show. After the show, Drew traveled to Nashville where he rerecorded the song with country music artist Sarah Allison Turner. His music journey can be seen here at Drew Six TV.

Variety would like to extend an invite to all our friends, family, volunteers, and music enthusiasts to join us this Thursday, October 25^th, from 5-6 p.m. at Haus in Martini Corner to hear Drew  sing the song live, get his autograph, and purchase a copy of the song. Drew Six will graciously donate all proceeds of the downloaded song to Variety! The song dropped today on iTunes, so we’re encouraging everyone to check it out. Thanks, Drew!

Family Spotlight

Variety the Children's Charity of Greater Kansas City is dedicated to making differences in the lives of kids and their families. Today’s Variety Family Spotlight shines on Lucy and her mom, Jill Cook. Here is a heartwarming update on Lucy’s progress:

Since Lucy is the youngest of four children I really wasn't concerned about the fact that she wasn't walking - really wasn't even pulling up to stand on her own - until she reached eighteen months. That's when I contacted Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County. After her initial evaluation we were assigned one of their wonderful physical therapists who began working with us on a regular basis immediately. Lucy's therapist soon concluded that orthotics were necessary to correct and help strengthen the lack of muscle tone in her little legs. Unfortunately the type of orthotics Lucy requires are very costly, and though we have insurance we were responsible to pay for them in full. Lucy is a very strong-willed child, and I truly believed that her refusal to even try to walk was a choice. She found a way to get around on her knees quite well, and she has three big brothers to help her reach anything she might want. Imagine my shock and amazement when Lucy stood up and walked around our coffee table the very first day she wore her orthotics! Her very first steps on the very first day of wearing them!! It was as if she had been wanting to stand up and walk all this time but simply couldn't. I don't think I stopped smiling the rest of that day. I am so proud of the progress she continues to make, and I finally have hope that she might be walking close to her second birthday! I am overwhelmed with gratitude for Variety KC's generous gift that will empower my daughter to walk. Sincerely, Jill Cook (Proud mother of an almost-walker)

Variety is so proud of Lucy and the progress she has made. With the help of warm hearted volunteers and generous donors like yourself, we will continue to make miracles happen. Click here
for information on how to help Variety children and their families.

Volunteer Spotlight

This week's Variety Volunteer Spotlight shines on Hannah. Through her passion for helping others, she has raised money for kids in need and spread the word about Variety of Greater Kansas City. Here’s Hannah to tell her story: Last year I raised $500 for Variety by lemonade stands, going door-to-door, and selling all my old Barbies and clothes that were super cute but sadly didn't fit. So, this year I want to take the challenge to raise more money by doing another garage sale, more door-to-door, and try something new like a school fundraiser. Today, I went door to door with my friend Maddy, and we raised $57 in 30 houses, but in 1 of those houses was a girl -- not any girl, a girl in a wheel chair with flowing and wavy blonde hair. I think it was her birthday the day before. Her dad was asking me about what the charity was called and what we were doing. So I explained to him the park in Independence that we would build, and he was willing to donate $15 for us. I love raising money for Variety because it makes me proud to think, "oh my gosh a 12 year old just raised 500 dollars" or "Wow, I feel like people want to help and also get that cute dress in the back of my closet." At Variety you don't only find people who care about kids with disabilities, but you make friends that are really just like you. I remember my first day I learned about Variety. My job was at Hy-Vee. I helped give Elijah an assessable bike, and his family told me that they all pumped up their bike tires so they could ride together. Then came the heart costume -- I got to wear a big heart that's cherry red -- it was to attract attention, because how can you miss that? But raising money is what I like to do and I hope others will help too. -Hannah-