|
|
|
On June 3, several Dodge City AMBUCS members gathered at Western Plains Medical Complex Outpatient Therapy to present a new AmTryke to a very special person: Julie Lewis.
Julie will be 50 years old this month. She was born a normal child June 27, 1958. At three months old, Julie received her “3-in-1” shots. Unfortunately, Julie then suffered a severe fever that led to convulsions and eventually some brain blockage. This event caused Julie to have seizures that she
would have to battle for the rest of her life.
During a seizure, Julie fractured one of her ankles and had to have it surgically repaired, only to have her other ankle fractured during a seizure a short time later.
Though Julie has had what some would call a traumatic life, her parents Jr. and Nell Lewis have assisted and nurtured her. Julie has the ability to learn, but she has some difficulty using what she learns in a functional way.
When Jr. and Nell saw the adult AmTryke, they knew it would provide Julie more exercise and the ability to be mobile for longer times and distances.
Warren Wallis, chairman of the service committee for the Dodge City chapter of AMBUCS, went right to work with the request. Stephanie Hornung, physical therapist and AMBUCS™ member, evaluated Julie and assessed her for the proper accessories needed on her AmTryke. The main requirement was to keep Julie safe, while still allowing her full mobility. The “Pro-Series 1420”
AmTryke was chosen as the perfect fit.
When Julie saw the group of AMBUCS members and the new AmTryke, she became elated. She could hardly sit still while the bike was adjusted to a perfect fit. After a test ride, Julie said, “OK, I’ll take it!”
Julie is no slouch when it comes to thanking people, and every person there
received at least one great big hug from Julie.
After checking with Julie’s parents on how she was getting along with the new AmTryke, Nell reports that she has lost several pounds trying to keep up with Julie. Julie is currently riding her bike 1 1/2 miles at a time and she would like to go more each time, but Mom cannot keep up!
Dodge City is a chapter of National AMBUCS Inc. that focuses on “creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities.”
The AmTryke Therapeutic Tricycle is available in sizes from toddlers to adult. More information is available at www.ambucs.org. If you know of someone who would benefit from an AmTryke, you may speak to any AMBUCS member or call Norma at (620) 225-2311.
Dodge City AMBUCS meets at 6:45 a.m. Mondays at the Longhorn Steak House.
On June 3, several Dodge City AMBUCS members gathered at Western Plains Medical Complex Outpatient Therapy to present a new AmTryke to a very special person: Julie Lewis.
Julie will be 50 years old this month. She was born a normal child June 27, 1958. At three months old, Julie received her “3-in-1” shots. Unfortunately, Julie then suffered a severe fever that led to convulsions and eventually some brain blockage. This event caused Julie to have seizures that she
would have to battle for the rest of her life.
During a seizure, Julie fractured one of her ankles and had to have it surgically repaired, only to have her other ankle fractured during a seizure a short time later.
Though Julie has had what some would call a traumatic life, her parents Jr. and Nell Lewis have assisted and nurtured her. Julie has the ability to learn, but she has some difficulty using what she learns in a functional way.
When Jr. and Nell saw the adult AmTryke, they knew it would provide Julie more exercise and the ability to be mobile for longer times and distances.
Warren Wallis, chairman of the service committee for the Dodge City chapter of AMBUCS, went right to work with the request. Stephanie Hornung, physical therapist and AMBUCS™ member, evaluated Julie and assessed her for the proper accessories needed on her AmTryke. The main requirement was to keep Julie safe, while still allowing her full mobility. The “Pro-Series 1420”
AmTryke was chosen as the perfect fit.
When Julie saw the group of AMBUCS members and the new AmTryke, she became elated. She could hardly sit still while the bike was adjusted to a perfect fit. After a test ride, Julie said, “OK, I’ll take it!”
Julie is no slouch when it comes to thanking people, and every person there
received at least one great big hug from Julie.
After checking with Julie’s parents on how she was getting along with the new AmTryke, Nell reports that she has lost several pounds trying to keep up with Julie. Julie is currently riding her bike 1 1/2 miles at a time and she would like to go more each time, but Mom cannot keep up!
Dodge City is a chapter of National AMBUCS Inc. that focuses on “creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities.”
The AmTryke Therapeutic Tricycle is available in sizes from toddlers to adult. More information is available at www.ambucs.org. If you know of someone who would benefit from an AmTryke, you may speak to any AMBUCS member or call Norma at (620) 225-2311.
Dodge City AMBUCS meets at 6:45 a.m. Mondays at the Longhorn Steak House.
