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Andrew McLindon, who has donated 475 special needs bikes to children in need.
About 15-years-ago, Andrew, a businessman and avid cyclist, learned his friend's 12-year-old son suffered from a health condition that caused him balance issues.
Those balance issues isolated this child.
Andrew, now 60, purchased a new three-wheel recumbent bike with a seat belt, ideal for this boy who soon was having fun biking with others and getting exercise.
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"To see his son interacting with other kids," Andrew told Reader's Digest, "I'll never forget the smile on his face."
This smile touched Andrew's heart and he started the McLindon Family Foundation (MFF) to help more children receive free special needs bikes.
Working with rehab clinics, each bike is designed to the needs of the child including, if necessary, caregiver adjustments so a caregiver can join the ride.
But these bikes often cost $3,000 to $4,000 each, so the foundation appeals for donations.
However, these bikes are life changers for those who are fortunate to receive them.
"We worked with a 14-year-old who has spina bifida," said Andrew to Reader's Digest. "She spent most days on the couch watching TV."
"Soon after she got her bike, she was training for special-needs triathlons. In a magazine interview, she said, 'I always knew there was an athlete in me.'"
To date, MFF has donated 475 bikes and plans to donate many more.
Despite his busy business schedule, Andrew told Reader's Digest: "...getting these kids their bikes is the most important thing that I do."
Editor's Note: To learn more, rd.com/article/cyclist-gives-adaptive-bikes-to-children/, and the Baton Rouge, Louisiana based McLindon Family Foundation, here: mclindonfamilyfoundation.org and facebook.com/McLindonFamilyFoundation.
We thank MFF Project Director Allison Oubre for assisting us with this story. MFF is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. We learned of MFF thru "Nice News."
In the next KazanToday: A cab driver who stunned a hospital with his $1.68 million donation.
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