How It All Began

Isn't this banner just plain AWESOME?!  I saw it on my way to the doctor's office this morning.  I can not believe how big this benefit has become and it is all thanks to the many people, most of whom I don't even know, who are working together to make this the most amazing benefit run EVER!

Some people have asked how this all got started, so I thought I would share how it all came to be...as far as I know anyway.  In January, Bryce turned 5 years old.  Considering at one point, the doctors and therapist didn't think he was going to make it to his 2nd birthday, each one since that day is extra special!  A few months before his birthday, family and friends began asking me what they could get Bryce as a birthday present.  That is always a hard question to answer, I mean really, what do you get a boy who is mentally 5 years old and yet can physically do less than a 6 month old?  There just aren't that many options!

So, one day while we were outside watching the other kids ride their bikes, the answer came to me.  You see, Bryce used to be content to sit in his wheelchair and watch the other kids play.  However, that time has past!  This particular day, he wanted to ride a bike just like everyone else.  He was no longer okay with just sitting and watching.  So, I finally got him out of his chair and held him on a small bike and moved him across the driveway.  He loved it. He grinned and giggled the whole time.  It was a very short ride however since it is a bit tricky to hold him up while moving the bike.  I knew that I had heard about adaptive bikes for kids with special needs, so that evening I set to work to find the perfect gift for Bryce.

Before long I found this.  It looked like the perfect bike for Bryce.  I was so excited,  I knew he would love it.   But, as I began adding up what it would cost to get all the attachments that he would need in order for the bike to support him, I realized that it would cost us over $1800!  Just a bit out of our price range for a bike.

I wasn't quite ready to give up the hope of getting a bike for Bryce though and as I was discussing some options with my sister one day, she suggested that we have a 5K run to raise money for his birthday bike.  She said that way, everyone who was asking what to get him, could actually help him get his bike.

Well, I know nothing about setting up a 5K run, but I do know someone who does!  My good friend and ward member, Ellie Hardt has told me many times that she would like to help us raise money through a run for our kids.  So, at church one day, I asked her and her daughter, Whitney (also a good friend of ours) what it would take to set up a 5K.  They said, "let us think about it and we will get back to you."   I said okay and then I didn't hear from them for a week or two.  The next thing I heard is that they have this whole huge thing started with a committee and tons of ideas for this huge event to raise money for Bryce and Annalise.  I was...and still am...shocked and touched by what this has become.  Every time I talk to Ellie she tells me of someone, again usually someone who doesn't even know us, who is donating their time, supplies, and all kinds of other things to make this event happen...and happen big!

My heart is so full of thanks and amazement to all of our friends and unknown friends who are helping us out in this way.  Our family has been very blessed throughout this whole ordeal with a good job and good insurance that thankfully covers many of the children's medical treatments.  We thank our Heavenly Father every day for blessing us with this.  We also thank him for all of you who help us with the many items that are not covered.  Who knows...maybe even a bike for our 5 year old boy!