AMBUCS is a national charity with one mission...to bring mobility and independence to people with disabilities. This past week AMBUCS held their national conference in Reno, and they’re bringing independence to local children.

On Saturday AMBUCS gave AmTrykes, or therapeutic bicycles, to about forty locals, who were chosen based on financial need and recommendation from a physical therapist. Some recipients of the AmTrykes say these bikes are changing lives.

For children with muscular disabilities, their reality is they can't run, bike, or be mobile like other kids their age…until now.

Rita Moore has a five year old daughter named Chantel who has cerebral palsy. “She wasn't expected to walk or talk and to see her ride a bike it’s exciting.”

With her new bike, Chantel feels just like other kids. She says she likes to go really fast!

Then there’s Mia. She's seven. Her laughter is contagious. A muscular disorder impairs
her ability to walk or talk. But that doesn't stop her from trying.

When asked her thoughts on her new bike, Mia responds with something incomprehensible. Her father clarifies…”Magical.”

Mia’s father, Alan McWatt, says the new bike “will be fantastic for her development, help her be more steady.”

Four-year-old Alliyah is excited for the places her new bike will take her.
“I'm going to go on a ride to the park!”

These are just three kids of nearly forty who say the therapeutic bikes will enhance their lives.

Sue Hayward is a pediatric physical therapist. She says “anytime you can get kids moving they're smiling.”
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Parents say their children now have a quality of life that they simply did not have before. And they're grateful.

Alliyah politely says, “Thank you for my bike.”

Currently there are 120 AMBUCS chapters all over the country. The non profit has yet to form a chapter in Reno. If you are interested in getting involved or donating to their cause, visit www.ambucs.org