Adapted bike fund available thanks to grant
March 31, 2009
Children with disabilities often miss out on social and physical activities that most people take for granted, like riding a bicycle.
St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation received a $4,000 grant from the Dominick McDermott Trust that will assist with the purchase of adapted bikes for any child with a disability.
With the use of adapted bicycles, children who have difficulty with motor skills have the opportunity to ride a bike with other kids and family members. According to therapists at St. Luke’s Witwer Children’s Therapy, not only is riding a bicycle a fun activity for children of all ages, it offers significant health benefits for children with disabilities.
“Bike riding is not only great exercise,” said Carol Daly, St. Luke’s Witwer Children’s Therapy supervisor. “But it also increases leg strength, endurance and the continued leg movements can improve a child’s ability to walk.”
This is the second year for St. Luke’s Adapted Bike Fund. Last year three children received specialty bikes. This program is not limited to children receiving therapy at St. Luke’s Witwer Children’s Therapy.
The Dominick McDermott Trust was created by the Last Will and Testament of Dominick McDermott. McDermott farmed most of his life near Melrose, IA. He died in 1982, with no heirs and directed his assets be placed in perpetual Trust for the benefit of children with disabilities in the state of Iowa.
St. Luke's Health Care Foundation Mission and Vision Statement:
To support St. Luke’s Hospital as the premier resource for improving the health of Eastern Iowans.
Individuals interested in learning more about St. Luke’s Adapted Bike Fund may contact St. Luke’s Witwer Children’s Therapy at 319-369-8407.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Corizzo, St. Luke’s Hospital, 319/369-8372 or 319/560-2385.
