Ride for Miles
A brilliant and beautiful advocate for people with disabilities once said, upon having a specific need met, “Let’s not get complacent. There are plenty of other people out there with this same need, a need that can’t be met through social agencies nor government, but by people getting involved in each others lives.” Or something like that. I said it here, and I get to misquote myself. So now it’s time to rally again and we’re so excited to pay it forward. Before I tell you how Team Aidan is helping Team Miles (that’s an awesome story in and of itself) let me tell you about Miles.
Within a month of us receiving our accessible van, I was introduced to Michelle and the story of her son Miles. Here’s the cool thing about building community – I’ve become a support for her in fundraising, and she’s become a support for me with seizure information. These are clearly issues neither of us want but issues for which we desperately need support. Hence the May First start of their fundraiser – MayDay MayDay, we need HELP before the ship goes down. Her son Miles is 6 years old and has Down Syndrome and Infantile Seizures (rare and catastrophic form of epilepsy). He attends a special purpose school and requires nursing care. Miles is in a wheelchair now and has tie-downs in his van (rings on the floor that secure to the chair). Here’s the thing – the floor is not lowered nor is it even. Also, they have a ramp that they have to put together which consist of super heavy lego-like pieces. Every time they put Miles into the van, they have to protect his head so he doesn’t bump it. The whole process is not only cumbersome and frustrating, but very unsafe. You can read more about what mom has to say here and check out the newspaper article that gives Team Aidan a mention here.
So stayed tuned for more of what TWO brilliant and beautiful advocates for their children with disabilities can accomplish.