Stroller & Adaptive Bicycle for CDU

As a parent of a disabled child one of the most important things to me is that, my son, Christopher feel as normal as possible.  But there are so  many challenges that we face in our day to day lives.  Recently I took Christopher on a day trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  He loved it.  But from the moment we parked our car it was a challenge for us.  The long walk to the aquarium, the walking around once we were inside, and walking with our group along Cannery Row.  Poor Christopher's little legs just don't keep up with his internal "spunk."  It was heart breaking to me.  This wasn't the first time this has happened.  A typical trip to the mall, or to the fair, or even to the park can be exhausting to him and we normally avoid those types of activites.  On that trip I decided when I got back home, I would look into a wheelchair.  As soon as I get home I got on the computer and looked up wheelchairs.  I found that a wheelchair wasn't what Christopher needed.  I found something called an adult stroller.  They look easier for me to push and can carry up to 175 pounds...with "little" Christopher already topping 70 pounds, this was important.  But the stroller that was perfect for him ended up being about $1000.00.  As a single mother, with NO FINANCIAL support, there was no way I could afford this.  I decided to call his doctor and see if he could prescribe us one.  Afterall, I have great health insurance and it was something that Christopher really needed.  The doctor signed the prescription and sent it off to the insurance company for approval.  Three days later, we got a letter from our insurance company.  "We are sorry, the device you are requesting is not medically necesarry.  Therefore your request is denied.  But you can however purchase the equipment on your own and pay out of pocket."    Well, yah, duh!  I was so frustrated.  We tried to appeal it and again were faced with a second denial.  

I have felt this frustration many times.  Christopher can't ride a normal bike.  The way they are made and the way his body is made just don't mix!  I looked into adaptive bikes for children with disabilities.  These bikes were awesome, they allow the child to ride a bike and keep up with the rest of the group.  But the bike is specifically made for him and his body.  I was so excited until I saw the price.  Almost $500.00 for a bike!!!  Again frustrated....I can't afford that AND its not fair!!  A "typical" parent can walk into any Walmart or Target and buy a bike for their child and pay under $100.00.  Again I was faced with more frustration.  I didn't know what to do.    

I came across some fundraising websites and thought....why don't I do that?  My family and friends are amazing and would do anything for my son and I.  Of course they would help out in a time like this. 

As I said at the beginning of this post, I would do anything and everything to allow my son to feel as normal as possible.  So here I am putting myself out there, asking for help.  Not help for me, help for Christopher.  Help for my little man to continue to try and live the most "normal" life possible.  Any and every donation would be so very much appreciated!!  I can not thank you all enough!    

Love always...

Christopher and his proud Momma, Nicole