Foundation donates adaptive tricycle

By Jessica Ruffcorn

Reporter

DAYTON–Local High School student Kaylee Coleman, receives an adaptive tricycle from the Charge Syndrome Foundation.

Kaylee Coleman is a sophomore at Dayton High school who has CHARGE syndrome. This complex syndrome affects her sight, hearing, sinuses, speech, ability to eat, growth, reproductive health, balance, and has palsy and scoliosis.

Coleman and her mother Becky Gibson, attended a Charge Syndrome Foundation Conference in Florida July 2023 by a scholarship from Washington State Sensory Disability. According to the Charge Syndrome Foundation website, their primary goals include growing outreach and support programs; increasing their knowledge base; promoting awareness; building networks and partnerships; and investing in leading-edge research. The conference is a worldwide event for people with Charge Syndrome, their families, members of the medical field, and individuals wanting to learn more. Those who attended the conference in 2023 were invited to apply for a free adaptive tricycle. Gibson turned in the application last winter and was approved and received the bike in March 2024. Coleman was able to first ride it at the school after showing it off to her school friends and teachers.

The adaptive bike is custom built for Coleman. It has a high back rest on the seat as well as two seat belts to keep her safe, secure, and balanced. It has straps on the foot pedals to help keep her feet in place. It also prevents her from being able to make sharp turns that would tip the bike over.

"The seat and the pedals to me were the biggest thing," said Gibson. "It's longer and lower to the ground so less likely to tip. It's hot pink, her favorite color." She indicated the plans to utilize it to help her participate in P.E. class, therapy, and other school events. Coleman is not expected to grow any taller, and therefore will be able to keep and utilize this bike throughout her lifetime.

Kaylee enjoys music, history, and cleaning tombstones with her mother when she is not at school.