'Let’s get this girl some wheels!' Family fundraisers created to help kids ride bikes this summer
A London Ont., family was overwhelmed by the generosity of others, that they are working to keep the momentum going for 8-year-old Siena.
Lynn and Daniel Grushka, have a 5-year-old son named Mathew, who was born with a very rare syndrome.
"It is called HIST1H1E. There is only about 50 kids in the word diagnosed with it."
Mathew lives with sensory fears and developmental delays, which can make everyday kid activities a lot more challenging.
5-year-old Mathew Grushka on a 'freedom bike' (Jordyn Read / CTV News)
5 year old, Mathew Grushka on freedom bike (Jordyn Read / CTV News)
"He hasn’t been able to ride a bike yet, so he is missing out on things kids can do and just feel that freedom," says Lynn.
So his parents took Mathew to the bike clinic at Thames Valley Children’s Centre, where he tested out his first ever freedom bike.
It is a specialized and adjustable bike, meant to help aid those living with disabilities achieve their dreams.
"Oh my god you should have seen the smile on his face. It was really emotional."
A Go-Fund Me page was created by a family friend of the Grushka family to buy Mathew a freedom bike of his own.
In no time at all, enough money was raised through donations to make that dream a reality, and now the sights are set on creating a better summer for Siena.
8-year-old Siena has Down syndrome.
8-year-old Siena Zinga (Jordyn Read / CTV News)
8-year-old Siena Zinga (Jordyn Read / CTV News)
Her mother Melissa Zinga, says Siena isn’t aware of her own strength and has trouble with riding traditional bikes.
"She has always wanted to ride bikes, for as long as she has been walking… So we got her a traditional two wheel with training wheels and unfortunately like most children, she peddled backwards and that was it, she tapped out."
But Zinga didn't give up on Siena’s dream. She took her to try out a freedom bike at Thames Children’s Centre, and that's where Siena found her stride.
"I kid you not, she got on it and peddled, I was like we are getting one of these no matter what it takes and no matter what I have to do."
While Mathew expects his freedom bike soon, Siena’s family is just short of purchasing one of their own.
A Go-Fund Me page has been created to assist, they’re hoping to raise enough funds so Siena and Mathew can ride side by side this summer.
While Mathew no longer needs donations, the family says those interested in helping can donate to a charity that supports kids just like him, living with HIST1H1E.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.