Help Thoren Ride!

Support a Life-Changing Adaptive Trike for Our Grandson

We’re Steve and Tracy Reinhard—known lovingly as Oma & Opa to our six amazing grandchildren. Today, we want to introduce you to our grandson Thoren and invite you to be part of something very special: helping him ride his very first adaptive trike.

Thoren is six years old and has faced an incredible uphill journey since birth. He was born with bladder exstrophy, a rare condition where the bladder develops outside the body. In addition, Thoren was later diagnosed with polymicrogyria and septo-optic dysplasia, caused by a genetic anomaly in the RAB-11B gene. At the time of his birth, Thoren’s case was the first documented in the United States and only the seventh in the world.

These neurological conditions affect his brain development, vision, motor function, and muscle coordination. At six, his physical abilities are closer to that of a 10-month-old—he can roll over, but doesn’t yet know how to push himself back or sit up independently. His core and upper body strength are still developing, and he requires full-time assistance for mobility and daily tasks.

Yet through all of this, Thoren is joyful, affectionate, and resilient. He’s attended a school for the Deaf and Blind for the past three years, where we’ve seen beautiful progress thanks to his compassionate teachers. Most recently, he completed an intensive 15-day physical therapy program at the Now I Can Foundation, working four hours a day to strengthen his body and learn essential skills like sitting up, bearing weight, and using his arms more effectively.

Why an Adaptive Trike?

Thoren’s next big milestone is something many children take for granted—a bike ride. But for Thoren, an adaptive trike isn’t just a toy—it’s a therapeutic tool and a symbol of freedom.

An adaptive tricycle will allow Thoren to:

Build core and leg strength in a safe, upright position

Improve posture, balance, and coordination

Increase confidence and independence

Experience outdoor movement alongside siblings and friends

Have fun while gaining function

This kind of movement is essential to his physical and emotional development—and for a child with limited mobility, it’s a priceless opportunity to engage with the world in a new, empowering way.

The Financial Hurdle

As with so many of Thoren’s needs, this equipment comes at a high cost—and insurance does not cover it.

We’ve faced this over and over again. The CPT vest that helps clear his lungs and prevent respiratory infections was denied for years, even as he made regular emergency trips to Children’s Hospital. It took a long inpatient stay to finally convince the insurance company to approve it.

The same battles were fought for a wheelchair, and a stander—both critical to Thoren’s care. These aren’t luxuries; they are life-enhancing and, in some cases, life-preserving tools. And yet, they’re frequently dismissed as “non-essential.”

But to us—and to Thoren—they’re absolutely essential.

How You Can Help

We’ve launched this GoFundMe to raise funds for Thoren’s adaptive trike, including necessary fittings and accessories. Our goal is to help Thoren build strength, confidence, and the joy of movement—something every child deserves.

If you’re able to give, we are deeply grateful. If not, please consider sharing this page with your friends, family, and community. Your voice helps us amplify Thoren’s.

Thank you for walking (and rolling) this journey with us. Thank you for seeing Thoren—not just for his challenges—but for the bright, beautiful little boy he is.

With love and gratitude,

Steve & Tracy Reinhard (Oma & Opa)