Two years ago, I participated in the 20th Annual Alyn Hospital “Wheels of Love” charity ride. Mountain biking is something I’ve loved for years, and I figured why not do it and raise some charity at the same time. What I didn’t realize at the time was that riding with my friends wasn’t going to be the most enjoyable and rewarding part of the experience.
I discovered that not only did cycling enthusiasts as myself participate, but many former (and even some current!) patients take part in the ride. For some of them simple skills that we take for granted, like balance and coordination are no easy task. Many need to be lifted onto the back of a tandem bike, have their shoes clipped into the pedals for them, and then off they go kilometer after kilometer cycling alongside seasoned athletes.
But don’t think they have a special easier route. They must navigate the same steep rocky (sometime unrideable) hills and climb over the unexpected barbed wire fences like the rest of us. And some of them can’t even walk unassisted.
After the first couple days of enjoying myself riding alongside my friends, I became acquainted with some of these special riders and began joining them for long stretches of the ride. As hard as the challenge was for me, riding alongside them, cheering them on, made the experience incredibly rewarding. By the end of the last grueling day ascending the hills to Jerusalem I felt without a doubt the most gratifying part of the experience was having the opportunity to ride with people who have overcome unbelievable challenges, immensely greater than what we had just accomplished.
I was registered and looking forward to riding once again in 2020, but the Covid crisis made that impossible for everyone. The charity raised through the annual “Wheels of Love” ride provides a significant portion of the hospitals operating budget. I’m sure that in addition to the 2020 ride being cancelled, many other unforeseen expenses arose while maintaining regular hospital functions and ensuring the safety of their patients.
As you consider making a donation please try to give a little more than you may normally feel comfortable giving, just like all the kids of Alyn try to give a little extra of themselves every day to work towards a healthier and brighter future.
-Yaki