Suzy Kuzmanovski's Fundraiser:
Beaumont Hosiptal's "Bike Day"
BENEFITING: Beaumont Health System
EVENT: Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon 2014
EVENT DATE: Oct 19, 2014
THE STORY:
Thanks to the generous support of individuals and private foundations, children with special needs are provided with the same opportunity to enjoy bike riding as their able bodied peers. Beaumont Hospital’s “Bike Day”, established in 2004, is a program that provides helmets and custom adapted bicycles for children with special needs at no charge to their families. The cost of these speciality bikes, ranging from $200 to $4,000, is cost prohibitive to most families. The bicycles are not only fun, but they also help improve strength, cardio-vascular endurance and allow the children more opportunity to participate in family activites.
Through the program, children are matched with a cost effective bicycle that best fits their individual needs. When outgrown by their riders, bicycles are returned to the program to be refurbished and adapted for another child. The physical benefits and joy of increased mobility for the children make this program not an option but a true necessity.
This October, I will participate in the Detroit Free Press Marathon. Despite years of long distance running, this race marks my first full marathon. I am inspired not just to run, but to use this opportunity to raise awareness and much needed funds for “Bike Day” as this program is near and dear to our family. After months of physical therapy, our son received a bike and we were overwhelmed by the impact that it has made on his cognitive and physical abilities. Not to mention the sheer joy he gets from riding his bike along side his big brother. There are many more children in our community who could also benefit from one of these bikes. Please join me in this effort by making a donation to the Beaumont Foundation in support of this life-changing program.
