Isaac's Trike

Meet Isaac, he’s a cool little guy with an amazing attitude and huge level of determination. He really wants to get a bike so he can go out with Dad and his big brother Reuben, when they go cycling around the neighbourhood and through the forest. Problem is, he can’t ride a regular bike and the specially designed trike that he needs, costs almost $3000.

You see, when Isaac was born, things didn’t go according to plan. He ended up emerging feet first and then he got stuck. Because of this, he suffered from severe Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). HIE is a condition that occurs when the brain and other vital organs are deprived of an adequate oxygen supply and is compounded by low blood flow. Not only did Isaac survive, he has amazed everyone, medical professionals included, by how much he is achieving.

By the time Isaac turned one, he had a diagnosis of Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy (CP), which means that his body doesn’t always do what he wants it to. It took a walking frame to get him up on his feet and moving around a few months after his second birthday. He has problems with balance and co-ordination. Now that he is getting older, little kids tricycles are too small for him, but he isn’t able to coordinate sitting, pedalling, balancing and steering to ride a regular bike (even with training wheels). And what 6 year old doesn’t want to go out for a bike ride?

Isaac tried a couple of different trikes when the guys from Trikes NZ were in Christchurch last month and has also had a ride of some others when we were passing through Levin at Christmas.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read some of Isaac’s story. We really would appreciate your help and support in being able to get a trike for Isaac.