Children's Charity Gives Out Adaptive Bikes To Children With Disabilities

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- In a moment of unrestrained joy, a girl named Jasmine who is living with a disability gets an adaptive bike that she can ride.

She's one of five children with disabilities who received new wheels at Pioneer Education Center in Brookline on Monday.

"I'm going to definitely be brief today because I want Jasmine to get her bike," Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto told the crowd.

He captured the feelings of those who benefit from "Variety, the Children's Charity."

"We are a family," Variety CEO Charlie LaVallee said. "And we feel fine with that, accepting each other as we are."

He says the "My Bike" program gives children with disabilities the freedom to ride. Each bike is adapted to fit the needs of the individual rider.

"She's always wanted to ride a bike and participate with our large family, but hadn't had the opportunity," said Jasmine's mother, Dinetta Walker. "So with this bike, it's a game changer. And it's a life changer for her."

Five kids now get to do what others take for granted. One after another, they paraded down the hall, cheered on by parents and staff. Thanks to private donations, they're at the forefront of a much longer parade.

"[That's] 250 bikes to be given to area children," Mayor Peduto said. "To be able to expand their world, to make sure that they understand, too, the ownership of your own bike, to have your own bike."

Jasmine's mom will have to catch up.

"I'm going to purchase a bike," she says, "and we're going to hit some trails."

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