Raeshawn is a 6 year old boy who is a double amputee. He has a quiet demeanor but loved the new tricycle as he won't have to come into Tampa for physical therapy nearly as often as he has had to in the past.

 James lost his nose to cancer. After surgery, aggressive radiation and a long recuperation, he now has a new nose and said he, "would be forever blessed and thankful to the Krewe for giving him back his normalcy."

10 year old Rhett was born with a birth defect that resulted in both legs being stunted as well as both arms not being fully developed. Lisa, the mother of Rhett, and his grandmother, Nila, traveled from their home in Lakeland to attend the presentation at the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

 Heather is a 13 year old girl. She lost both legs several years ago in an accident. She is a very positive and determined young lady. She loves to race but her family has not been able to afford a handcycle. Heather is a Champion in several fields of competition.

 
 Kenji is a 17 year old boy. He lost both legs in a car accident 8 years ago. He works hard and has won several awards in the Jr. National Disability Championships (Discus and Javelin). Now he can compete in the racing events while also improving his upper body strength.

Nahomi was born with a birth defect that resulted in both legs being stunted as well as both arms not being fully developed. Nahomi and her mother, Melanie, were brought from their home in Honduras so that Nahomi could get the necessary care at the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

These handcycles must be custom built for the specific amputee. They cost approximately $1,850 each. The tricycles are approximately $1,000 each. As the recipients grow and the need changes, the Krewe will upgrade to larger sizes and pass the outgrown one to a new child identified through the hospital physical therapists. The cycles provide recreational exercise for the amputee through general outdoor use and the chance to socialize with other amputees at planned race competitions around the country and in their own neighborhoods.
 

  Lexi was born with only one leg. Her father said that this was a very important day for her as she can now ride with her twin sister like any normal 6 year old girl.

  Cheyenne was identified by the therapists at Shriner’s Children’s Hospital as a child that would benefit from the tricycle but whose family could not afford to purchase the custom designed trike.

 Casey is 4 years old and always had to ride on the back of her Mom’s bike when the family went out riding. Now Casey can ride with the family and her friends in the neighborhood. Her physical therapist reports that it is providing Casey with opportunity for exercise and socialization.

  Through partnering with Tampa Bay Prosthetics, now Teofilo can go back to work as a farm hand and continue to provide for his family. The Krewe provided a replacement knee and a back-up knee for when Teofilo needs it.
 

  Electric HoverRound wheelchair is presented to the Seating Department at the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

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Andre is 5 years old and was born with a condition that required the amputation of one of his legs below the knee. At the presentation he had a smile that never left his face. He lives with his family in Jamaica. Arrangements were made with the airlines to transport his new tricycle to his home.

Bob lost his left leg (below the knee) to disease. At this point they are working to save his other foot. After spending 20 years working for the same company, he was laid off while undergoing the amputation and his insurance was cancelled. His finances were stretched to the max when a former Krewe member brought Bob to our attention. We have been able to help with his rent and insurance costs. With all of these problems he has maintained a wonderful sense of humor and the determination to “keep on with my good life”.

Casey D. lost both legs at age 10 days old to cancer. He lives with his mother and grandmother in Lakeland. With the handcycle there will be fewer trips to Tampa for physical therapy as he can now get good workouts with his new handcycle. He is now an 11 year old with a bright spirit and the desire to race his handcycle. At the presentation at the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, he got out on the basketball court and spun in circles. He has all intentions of competing in cycle races both for the physically challenged and in community races.

Elisha is an 8 year old girl that lost her leg three years ago. The Physical Therapists at the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital recommended that she have a custom handcycle to strengthen her upper extremities, cardiovascular exercise and general conditioning. Elisha says that she enjoys roller-skating and swimming and now she can ride her bike. She wants to be a professional swimmer when she gets older.

Jamoy is an 11 year old boy who lost his left leg due to a birth defect. He lives in the Caribbean and has been treated at the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Tampa for the last several years. The Hospital had a tricycle that was the appropriate size for Jamoy but it needed to be modified for use in his island home of Antiqua. The Krewe was able to provide “Fat Wheels” and a helmet which will enable Jamoy to safely ride his tricycle.

Marshall lost his leg in a motorcycle accident in November. He also broke both arms and bones in his other leg. Through partnering with TECO, the Krewe was able to provide Marshall with a ramp so that he could move his wheelchair in and out of his mobile home.

Reianna is 4 years old and lives with her family in Jamaica. Her leg was amputated shortly after her birth. She is a bright little girl who loves to sing and smile. When she first got on the tricycle she took to it immediately and was “off and pedaling”.