How Amtryke Stories Are Changing Lives and Inspiring Communities
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Every year, thousands of lives are changed through the dedication and generosity of AMBUCS chapters across the United States. These chapters don’t just build adaptive tricycles—they build hope, confidence, and community.
While every story is special, some have recently made their way onto local news stations, amplifying the mission of AMBUCS and spreading awareness about the life-changing power of Amtryke adaptive tricycles.
Together, these stories show how AMBUCS is growing up, showing up, and no longer the best-kept secret in adaptive mobility.
Marshall’s Story: Riding Toward New Possibilities
In Hope Mills, North Carolina, Marshall Smith is defying the odds. Born with cerebral palsy, doctors once said he would never walk or talk. But today, Marshall is making progress toward both—and now enjoys the thrill of riding an Amtryke just like other kids.
Marshall’s family joined the National AMBUCS Wish List, a program that connects riders without a nearby chapter to donors and sponsors nationwide. The Mountain Metro AMBUCS Chapter in Oklahoma raised funds to purchase his tryke.
Now, Hope Mills resident Debbie Wheeler, inspired by the experience, hopes to start a local AMBUCS chapter. “I only need five people,” she said. “Then we could start it up and get more trykes for kids like Marshall.”
ETX AMBUCS: Giving the Gift of Motion
In East Texas, ETX AMBUCS is busy changing lives for riders of all ages. Chapter member Cliff Bauerle recently appeared on East Texas Live to talk about their mission.
“Last week, we gave away two trykes—one to a six-year-old child and another to a seventy-one-year-old man,” Cliff shared. “When you see the reactions, it makes you want to fundraise to give more away!”
Beyond Amtrykes, ETX AMBUCS also builds ramps and supports the AMBUCS Scholarships for Therapists program, helping ensure future professionals are equipped to serve riders with disabilities.
John Deere Employees Build Bikes and Bonds
In East Moline, Illinois, employees at the John Deere factory teamed up with Mississippi Bend Trykes to build and donate 14 Amtrykes.
John Deere employee Elijah Bunch waited a full year to deliver one of the tricycles to his cousin, 13-year-old “Junior.” “Getting to see their faces when they get the bikes and how excited they are—you can’t put a price on that,” he said.
“It’s a great learning experience,” Elijah added. “I didn’t realize how much work goes into building these.”
Katie Powers, president of Mississippi Bend Trykes, summed up why their work matters: “Riding a bike is a rite of passage. To provide an activity that’s safe, therapeutic, and socially engaging—it’s life-changing.”
Isabella’s Story: Freedom Through Charm City Trykers
In Baltimore, Maryland, Charm City Trykers gave nine-year-old Isabella Norris a new way to ride and belong.
“I don’t feel left out even though it’s something unique,” Isabella said. She has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which makes balancing on a standard bike impossible.
Her mom, Colleen Norris, explained, “The Amtryke gives her balance, freedom, and the ability to control it independently. It’s amazing for her physical and mental health—it helps her get out, be with friends, and just be a kid.”
Chapter president Alexandra Parra shared, “Insurance doesn’t always cover adaptive bikes for kids. That’s why we raise money—to give Amtrykes free of charge to families who need them.”
Mesquite AMBUCS: 40 Years of Service and Smiles
In North Texas, Mesquite AMBUCS recently celebrated 40 years of service to their community. Their chapter continues to support the AMBUCS Scholarships for Therapists program and provide Amtrykes to riders like Victoria Portillo’s daughter, who is recovering from spinal surgery.
“Having the Amtryke is therapy she needs,” Victoria said. “It helps her exercise and regain strength after two spinal fusions.”
A Growing Movement of Mobility and Inclusion
From small towns to major cities, these stories showcase what AMBUCS chapters do best—empower people of all ages and abilities to move forward.
Through Amtrykes, ramps, scholarships, and community engagement, AMBUCS members nationwide are proving that mobility means more than motion—it means freedom, confidence, and belonging.
To find an AMBUCS chapter near you or learn how to start one in your area, visit our Chapter Directory.