We love hearing from Strider parents so when we got this letter and photo from Ryan’s parents we knew we had to share it:

Ryan is a beautiful, active, funny, smart, amazing child.  He is a six year old boy with diagnosed speech and motor Apraxia and ADHD.  Life, this far, has been difficult for Ryan – he has a hard time with speech, fine and gross motor activities – plus he cannot sit still!  He can understand everything you say but cannot always communicate with you understandably or effectively.  An easy-to-understand definition of apraxia is difficulty planning and producing.  Ryan knows what he wants to say and what movements he wants to make but cannot plan and produce the sounds/movement. 

Ryan has had all styles of bicycles –  from tricycles, “hot wheels,” scooters to training wheels on a “Big Kid” bike.  Ryan always ended up frustrated and mad at the bike.  When he was given his blue strider his Dad and I were skeptical.  Ryan got his Strider for his 6^th birthday, which, unfortunately is in November.  Not optimal bike riding weather in South Dakota.  Ryan rode his Strider throughout the house all winter.  Dad and I decided that patching and painting walls was worth it.  It took him a little while to get the hang of using his legs for movement while sitting on the seat but he finally mastered it.

What has his Strider done for Ryan?  This bike has given our child so much and we are so thankful.  Not only can Ryan ride his bike, he wants to.  His bike has given him imaginative freedom.  The strider has been a riding lawn mower, a garbage truck and a fire truck.  The gross motor development has been huge – not only can he ride his Strider but his running, walking, jumping and all gross motor movements have gotten better and stronger.

If Ryan is playing outside he is usually on his Strider.  The other day he was riding in a few inches of snow.  Ryan wants to go on bike rides on the bike path and he is proud that he can ride his bike.  The confidence that his Strider has given Ryan is priceless! 

Keith and Erin (Ryan’s parents)