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! 

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.