![\"Riley](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1785834854_626_Web-Photo-33-1024x683.png\")
Riley takes her new tricycle out for a spin.<\/p>\nRiley takes her new tricycle out for a spin.<\/p>\n
Courtesy of Wheelchairs 4 Kids<\/p>\n
Apopka\u00a0child\u00a0Riley\u00a0rang\u00a0in\u00a0her\u00a0ninth\u00a0birthday in style\u00a0with a new adaptive tricycle, courtesy of Athletes\u00a0Helping Athletes and Wheelchairs 4 Kids.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are incredibly grateful to Wheelchairs 4 Kids and everyone involved in making this possible for Riley,\u201d said Riley\u2019s mother, Crystal,\u00a0in a Wheelchairs 4 Kids news release.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The\u00a0release describes Riley as \u201ca cheerful and avid wheelchair basketball player who lives with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.\u201d According to the National Institutes of Health,\u00a0spina bifida<\/a>\u00a0occurs when\u00a0\u201cthe neural tube doesn\u2019t close completely,\u201d while\u00a0hydrocephalus<\/a> is\u00a0\u201can abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) deep within the brain.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Become A Member<\/p>\n The Apopka Chief does not have a paywall, but pavement-pounding journalism is not free. Join your neighbors who make this vital work possible.<\/p>\n See Member Benefits<\/a>Join Our Newsletter<\/a><\/p>\n Riley\u2019s physical therapist\u00a0suggested that Crystal contact\u00a0Wheelchairs 4 Kids\u00a0for the tricycle. The nonprofit then\u00a0delivered the request to Athletes Helping Athletes, which fully sponsored the\u00a0gift.\u00a0The bike\u00a0arrived\u00a0July 27, the day before her ninth birthday.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cTraditional bikes do not offer the safety or stability required for children with spinal or neurological conditions, but custom adaptive tricycles provide crucial benefits for children similar to Riley,\u201d\u00a0the\u00a0release\u00a0said.\u00a0\u201cBecause Riley\u2019s spina bifida causes hip dysplasia, an adaptive tricycle is essential to help stabilize and strengthen the hips. Adaptive tricycles transform mobility for children with spina bifidaby building\u00a0muscle strength, improving bone density, and boosting cardiovascular health.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Wheelchairs 4 Kids provides wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, and medical equipment to children with disabilities.<\/p>\n Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College’s journalism program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the layout editor for her school newspaper. In her spare time, Sarah loves serving her local church, visiting Disney, and throwing parties.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2-1.png\")
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