Meet   Gus

My son Augustus is 2 and a half years old. He was born with Spina Bifida and as a result he is unable to walk independently. He uses a wheelchair to get around and is very motivated to move and play with his brother and his peers. We started looking into adaptive options for him when he was still a baby. When I learned about the Amtryke, I knew that it would be a great fit for him to get some exercise as well as a “typical” play experience. Living in a very rural community in Eastern Oregon, we typically do not have access to many resources or programs geared toward children with special needs.  I did some research and found the Greater Portland Area AMBUCS Chapter and was so pleased when they told me that they would help Gus get a trike, even though we lived over 300 miles away! Shortly after adding Gus to the waitlist for a trike, Kate contacted me to see if I was familiar with the Baker City Cycling Classic, which is an annual bike race held in Baker City. She asked the BCCC if they would be willing to sponsor Gus’ trike and advertise for donations. Brian Vetger, BCCC promoter, agreed to take this on without hesitation. The local newspaper ran an article about Gus and included a link to the Greater Portland Area AMBUCS GoFundMe page. Donations quickly came in and Gus’ trike was funded almost instantly. 

Here is what Brian Vegter had to say, “The Baker City Cycling Classic was honored to help raise funds for Gus Macy’s adaptive trike. One of our missions is to provide cycling opportunities for all in Baker County and use funds every year from race proceeds to fund groups and school programs in Baker City. It was extra special to see how the race community from outside our region embraced our goal to help Gus get his bike. For me personally I just love seeing the smile on Gus’ face whenever I see him riding it.” 

This last September, Augustus received his trike! He took to it immediately and starting riding within minutes. He looked at me and said, “Look mom, I am riding this bike!” Gus asks to ride his bike every day and we are now able to go for bike rides as a family without having to put him in a stroller. He can have more independence and a more typical experience because of his new Amtryke. The outpouring of support from our community has been overwhelming and is a constant reminder of why we love living in this town. We are so grateful to the Greater Portland Area AMBUCS Chapter and the Baker City Cycling Classic for embracing our family and allowing us to witness such compassion and joy through this amazing little red tricycle. 
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-- Karla M. , Parent of Augustus