Build Progression by Supporting OAS
Like you, we believe people with disabilities should have the power to progress, to build, and to thrive in the outdoors. Many of us love biking for the freedom it brings. It allows us to explore new paths and experience the world at our own rhythm. Although, bikes aren’t one size fits all.
Over the last decade, because of donors like you, OAS has grown its fleet of adaptive bikes, diverse in size and shapes, each one tailored to offer individuals with disabilities the joy of movement. Among them is Lorrie, whose journey exemplifies the transformative power of being outdoors. The high desert landscape of Central Oregon is what drew Lorrie’s family here and their story of adaptation spans over six decades.
Huntington’s disease is a complex hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that causes nerve cells in the brain to decay over time, particularly in areas responsible for a person’s movement and cognition. In Lorrie’s case, the inheritance of Huntington’s disease traces back generations. Since her school days, her involvement around the community has ranged from various facets from foster care to the American Automobile Association(AAA). When Lorrie approached her early 40’s, symptoms of Huntington’s disease became noticeable from declining muscle control to general clumsiness.
Lorrie recently celebrated her 56th birthday and she is taking on Huntington’s Disease with her trademark bold spirit. After discovering the recumbent bike through Oregon Adaptive Sports, she bikes regularly through OAS programming. After trying it out, she acquired her own recumbent bike and can be found biking for miles around her home defying her father’s initial worries.
Whether cruising around the Old Mill, Shevlin Park, Sunriver, Lava Butte, or beyond. Lorrie’s own words reflect her attitude, “Biking helped me build confidence. I have no fear. It’s freedom.” she says with a grin and sparkle in her eye. Her father goes on to add, “the rush of wind against her face makes her feel alive.”
OAS Program Director Leah shares, “In the world of degenerative disease, a common descriptor tends to be “regression”. In the world of adaptive sports, Lorrie’s descriptor is definitely “progression.” When skiing and riding with Lorrie, she literally moves in the opposite direction of Huntington’s.She has such a fun, can-do, spirit; skiing and riding with her is a true celebration of each sport!”. Lorrie’s dedication to these activities has impressed even her neurologist, who attributes her remarkable progression to the diverse range of activities she’s passionately engaged in.
This summer, every pedal stroke an athlete takes, they are embracing the exhilarating sense of progression. For many like Lorrie, the bike is not just a means of transportation, it’s a conduit to freedom. When Lorrie first joined OAS over six years ago, adaptive cycling sessions were offered just once a week. This summer, programs will expand to four days each week. However, we need more bikes to accommodate the diverse populations we serve. Our vision is to broaden capacity to serve more people like Lorrie who want to progress.
Will you help with progression?
