Help Samantha enjoy a bike ride.
Donation protected
HI there, My name is Marc Ownley and I'd like everyone to meet 8 year old Samantha. Samantha has had many heart surgeries and is disabled. Her and her family have overcome many odds over the last 7 years and as some doctors would say is a miracle. Her Father Joe (in picture) would like to be able to take her on bike rides with him. The problem is she does not have use of her legs and needs to be supported properly. After a long time searching for a solution from various bike shops and being turned away I have decided to help out with this. The traditional bicycle trailers and options on the market just do not work for her needs.
Through an awesome non-profit organization in Milwaukee called "Independence First" and being sponsored by AWS (American Welding Society) MIlwaukee chapter we are going to build Samantha a sidecar for Joes bicycle. When I say we what I mean is I have put together a group of individuals that include mechanical engineer, fabricator, welder, ceritified welding inspectors/educators, detail artists and a wonderful support group from both AWS and Independence First that will help out with anything extra that is needed.
Samantha already has a special seat she uses for mobility and also aids in protecting her head and body. We will be designing this adaptive sidecar around it so it will make life a lot easier on the family without having to lug around so many different items for her. We are also going to be adding some extra items on it to be able entertain her such as mini handle bars, a poratable eating tray, storage for toys and needed items, and all of the little butterflies or whatever else she likes.
We need to raise funds for this to be able to purchase the supplies needed to make this. Items including the materials, tooling, consumables, and safety items for her.
I am going to be video logging this whole process from start to finish as we present this wonderful gift to Samantha and her family. Any extra proceeds raised above and beyond what we are asking will go directly to building the next item needed for Independence First and another family that has adaptive needs. Thank you for taking the time read about this wonderful family I hope to be able to help out and I hope you'll be a part of it too.
Samantha's Story:
Samantha is a beautiful girl and medically complicated seven-year-old. Her main diagnosis is Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), where the left side of her heart did not fully develop, requiring surgeries to re-plum her blood flow as she grows. Samantha cannot walk, nor sit up on her own. She is non-verbal, but has learned a few signs and can give kisses when asked. Her 1st heart surgery was performed a week after child birth, the 2nd was at 5 months, and the 3rd when she was 4. Her body did not like the last surgery, so she was 'reverted' back by the team hours later. Fortunately for her, Milwaukee Children's Hospital performed all of her heart surgeries.
Her other 'smaller' medical issues are Single functioning kidney, History of seizures, Optic-atrophy of right eye, Severe reflux requiring G-tube feeds, Lung disease, Lack of GI profusion, and Congenital hip dysplasia.
Through an awesome non-profit organization in Milwaukee called "Independence First" and being sponsored by AWS (American Welding Society) MIlwaukee chapter we are going to build Samantha a sidecar for Joes bicycle. When I say we what I mean is I have put together a group of individuals that include mechanical engineer, fabricator, welder, ceritified welding inspectors/educators, detail artists and a wonderful support group from both AWS and Independence First that will help out with anything extra that is needed.
Samantha already has a special seat she uses for mobility and also aids in protecting her head and body. We will be designing this adaptive sidecar around it so it will make life a lot easier on the family without having to lug around so many different items for her. We are also going to be adding some extra items on it to be able entertain her such as mini handle bars, a poratable eating tray, storage for toys and needed items, and all of the little butterflies or whatever else she likes.
We need to raise funds for this to be able to purchase the supplies needed to make this. Items including the materials, tooling, consumables, and safety items for her.
I am going to be video logging this whole process from start to finish as we present this wonderful gift to Samantha and her family. Any extra proceeds raised above and beyond what we are asking will go directly to building the next item needed for Independence First and another family that has adaptive needs. Thank you for taking the time read about this wonderful family I hope to be able to help out and I hope you'll be a part of it too.
Samantha's Story:
Samantha is a beautiful girl and medically complicated seven-year-old. Her main diagnosis is Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), where the left side of her heart did not fully develop, requiring surgeries to re-plum her blood flow as she grows. Samantha cannot walk, nor sit up on her own. She is non-verbal, but has learned a few signs and can give kisses when asked. Her 1st heart surgery was performed a week after child birth, the 2nd was at 5 months, and the 3rd when she was 4. Her body did not like the last surgery, so she was 'reverted' back by the team hours later. Fortunately for her, Milwaukee Children's Hospital performed all of her heart surgeries.
Her other 'smaller' medical issues are Single functioning kidney, History of seizures, Optic-atrophy of right eye, Severe reflux requiring G-tube feeds, Lung disease, Lack of GI profusion, and Congenital hip dysplasia.
Organizer
Marc Ownley
Organizer
Milwaukee, WI
