(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- This week's Difference Maker is a suburban non-profit that brings the simple joy of riding a bike to people with disabilities.
“The first time I saw Matthew ride the adaptive bike, it was an emotional moment for me. I felt full of happiness, seeing his happiness,” recalls Cristina Stanila.
Her 4-year-old son, Matthew, was born with a rare genetic condition that made it impossible for him to ride a regular bike.
“Adaptive bikes, are very, very expensive. We wouldn’t have been able to afford one for Matthew,” Cristina says.
But thanks to St. Charles-based Project Mobility, which builds and donates adaptive bicycles to children and veterans with disabilities, Matthew's family didn't have to pay a cent for his bike.
Hal Honeyman, Project Mobility's founder, said the organization customizes bikes based on the needs of the person it’s intended for. Some bicycles can be adjusted relatively inexpensively, while others requiring extensive work can run upwards of $5,000.
He started the organization after seeing the joy an adaptive bike brought his son, Jacob, who was born with cerebral palsy.
“The first time when he pushed down on the down stroke, his eyes lit up. It was just tremendous,” Honeyman said.
It's a moment very similar to what Cristina witnessed with her son, Matthew.
“He had like a huge smile from ear to ear, and he loved it from that first time he just loved riding the bike. He loved having that independence,” she said.
Honeyman says it's those magical moments that have inspired him and generous donors over the years to keep providing adaptive bikes to those in need, free of charge.
“It’s life-changing, and you get to be part of that and see that and feel it. We’re pretty blessed to be able to do that,” he said.
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