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Amparo Gonzalez, 11, has been asking for a bicycle
for three years. Because the San Jose boy has severe cerebral palsy,
he needs a custom-made bike that costs $3,520, which his family
cannot afford.
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Published Sunday, November 23,
2003, in the San Jose Mercury News
A
new set of wheels
BIKE
WOULD MEAN A LOT TO BOY WITH DISABILITY
dear
Santa,
Amparo Gonzalez wants a bicycle for Christmas.
He's 11 years old, he's never had one before, and he really has
been good this year.
He's worked so hard at his therapy that he's been able to brush
his teeth and dress himself for the first time. This brings a wide
grin to the face of the outgoing, cheerful kid with severe cerebral
palsy. He's had to fight to achieve every bit of independence: using
the toilet, writing his name.
``He's been asking for a bike for three years,'' says his mom,
Martina, through an interpreter. She and Amparo's father, Israel,
would like nothing better than to buy him one for Christmas -- except
that a bike for Amparo has to be custom-made and costs $3,520
(9A). His family lives in San Jose on his father's salary
as a sheet-metal worker, and there's no way that sort of gift is
in the budget.
This is a special bike.
But, then, this is a special boy.
``It's one of the few, quote, normal things he can do like other
children,'' says Amparo's occupational therapist, Paul Gallarate,
who lets Amparo ride a similar bike in therapy sessions. Amparo
has limited use of his arms and legs. He can stand briefly with
a walker but spends most of his time in a wheelchair.
Santa, you should see him ride this bike. His face lights up, his
smile widens as he whips around the room. He looks up hopefully,
his eyes begging, pleeeeeease. Just a bike. Is that so much to ask
for?
What's extra great about this bike, with the special handlebars
and padded backrest, is that it might help Amparo walk someday.
His feet are strapped to the pedals, and, just like a regular bike,
it only works if Amparo moves his legs separately from each other,
a motion he usually can't do, unless he's really motivated.
Like, if he's riding a bicycle down the road, just like the other
kids.
(Psst, gentle reader, you can help Santa deliver Amparo's special
bike with a gift of $50,
9B)
For
more information on California
Children's Services, go to
www.hhs.co.santa-clara.ca.us.
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