‘It just means so much;’ Troy kindergartner receives extra special gift
Thanks to one Miami County organization’s efforts, a Troy kindergartner has a new tricycle.
Jayli Williams, a student at Hook Elementary School, has always wanted to ride a bike like other children her age; however, riding a traditional bike is difficult due to a medical condition.
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“Williams has cerebellar hypoplasia, a neurological condition in which the cerebellum – the part of the brain that coordinates movement – is smaller than usual or not completely developed,” David Fong, Communications Director of Troy City Schools, said.
Like most mothers, Kalen Ulmes wanted her daughter to have the same opportunities as children her age.
Due to Williams’s condition, she has to use a walker or wheelchair to get around.
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“For years now, I’ve been trying to get her to ride a bike and she’s always wanted to know when she could have a bike. Just last night, I think she caught on a little bit to what was going on. She said, ‘How old do I have to be to get a bike? Do I have to be a teenager?’ And I was like, ‘Well, maybe we’ll see …’” ‚” Ulmes said.
Wednesday, Williams received a special tricycle through Miamibus, the Miami County chapter of a national organization called AmBucs. Through fundraisers and donors, Miamibus were able to give her the tricycle. This organization gives tricycles away at no cost to families whose children cannot safely ride a standard bicycle.
Wade and Susan Westfall donated Williams’s tricycle. Wade is a Miami County Commissioner and local businessman.
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Family and friends of Williams were present when she was surprised with her new tricycle, which she hopped on and began riding around the gym immediately.
“It just means so much, because she can fit in with everybody else without having to look any different or be any different and she can just be her own person and be able to do the same things that typical kids are able to do,” Ulmes said.
Ulmes is grateful to those who put a smile on her daughter’s face and the generosity that has been shown to her.
