Allina Health Foundation surprises 9-year-old boy with adaptive bike
Max has ataxic cerebral palsy which creates added challenges to take part in activities that he and other 9-year-olds enjoy.
“At Courage Kenny Kids, we support children with a variety of medical complexities and diagnoses. A large part of our treatment with children is helping them to engage in age-appropriate activities such as sports, family outings and community access. Max is unable to safely ride a standard bike so we were able to find him a bike that will allow him to bike independently and take bike rides with his family and friends,” said Kelli Bader, physical therapist at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.
“It was a miracle for us,” said Max’s mom, Vera. “No one has ever done something like this for us. This was Max’s dream.”
Not only is biking an excellent activity for improving strength, balance and endurance, but it also increases self-confidence, independence, decision-making, and safety awareness.
“When we learned insurance would not cover a bike for Max’s family, we reached out to the Allina Health Foundation and thanks to generous donors in the Buffalo community, Max was gifted a bike that will offer him an opportunity that every child deserves,” said Shannon Woods Worden, Director of Operations, Buffalo Hospital.
About Allina Health
Allina Health is a nonprofit health care system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin, dedicated to preventing and treating illness and improving the health of individuals, families, and communities. Through a network of more than 90 clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 13 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care, and emergency medical transportation, Allina Health provides high-quality care from birth through end-of-life.
At the forefront of Allina Health’s mission are its Institutes, which offer nationally recognized experts and advanced care in key specialties:
- Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute – A leader in cardiovascular innovation, research, and care delivery through clinical trials, publications, and training 4,000+ providers annually, it is consistently rated ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News & World Report.
- Allina Health Cancer Institute – Providing comprehensive, personalized and innovative oncology care across the full cancer journey, delivered at ten locations – including its three largest hospitals which U.S. News & World Report consistently rates “High Performing” in multiple oncology specialties.
- Allina Health Brain and Spine Institute – Offering advanced neurological and spine care, including two nationally accredited stroke centers, innovative focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's and a chronic pain rehabilitation program – one of only two in Minnesota.
Together, these Institutes exemplify Allina Health’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.