'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
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.