KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — An East Tennessee nonprofit that works to support children who have different disabilities showed off three new pieces of equipment Friday that will help children improve their mobility.
Variety: The Children's Charity of Eastern Tennessee showcased the three new trikes during an event near the Regal office in downtown Knoxville. The nonprofit operates a program that gives eligible children trikes to help them overcome mobility issues, helping them live more actively.
The Variety Kids on the Go program also offers funding for wheelchairs, specially designed adaptive bikes and other kinds of devices. Children need to be from low-income families and be 19 years old or younger. They also need to live in East Tennessee.
"We are their last resource when insurance fails and families are unable to economically afford it," said Carol Fusco, the nonprofit's executive director. "We feel that the trikes may be a form of entertainment and joy for children, but it's also a form of strength training. It builds confidence."
Megan Pass, the mother of an 11-year-old with disabilities, said her son's new trike will help him continue to develop motor skills and live more freely.
"It's amazing. We thank God every day that he's still with us, and that he keeps growing and learning new things and getting more mobile. He also actually has a friend in the neighborhood who has a bike, and he'll be able to ride with her," she said. "It means he'll be more mobile."
Anyone interested in applying for help through Variety can reach out online, or by calling the nonprofit at 865-925-9906 for more information.
