Fall is one of the best seasons to celebrate. We are entering a season where the weather is not too hot and not too cold. People trade in summer activities for football games and fairs. There are many walks, rides and other activities that raise money for deserving charities around the Midlands. One of the little gems of our area is the Fall Festival by Abundant Life Physical Therapy in Lake Carolina.
On October 24, kids of all abilities will participate in a loop, half mile or mile-long bike ride to support the Abundant Life Equipment Lending Library. The Lending Library purchases, repairs and lends equipment (free of charge) to families in the area who are recovering from devastating illnesses and accidents. Durable medical equipment such as crutches, wheelchairs, standers, adaptive bicycles and other items needed for strengthening and recovery are loaned to people free of charge as many of these items are either not covered by insurance or take many months to get approval, resulting in the loss of valuable recovery time.
For a registration fee of $10, children lead the way in biking around Lake Carolina to the best of their ability, cheered on by parents, neighbors and civic organizations. Kids can see the impact of their efforts and celebrate afterward with a free fall festival.
On October 24, registration begins at 9:30 a.m. in Lake Carolina on the Village Green at Eascott Place. The race begins at 10:30 a.m. with three heats divided into age groups. After biking for a worthwhile cause which culminates in medals and prizes, the fall festival begins! There is a pumpkin patch where kids can pick out and decorate a pumpkin, a cookie-decorating station, a craft station, face painting and many kid-friendly and sensory activities for kids of all ages. Adults can enjoy free live music and grilled food and snacks for lunch.
But, perhaps the best part of this festival is that it is open to children of all ability levels. My daughter, who has low muscle tone, did not have the muscle strength to pedal. She was able to build strength and participate in bike riding activities with an adaptive bike lent to us by Abudant Life’s Lending Library. Sarah was not going to need the adaptive bike forever, so we were grateful that we were able to use this $1200 bike for free. At this festival, it did not matter that Sarah was using an adaptive bike as she was just one of many children using adaptive equipment to fully participate and enjoy this event. This year, she will be able to ride her own bike and our hope is that someone else in need will be able to use the adaptive bike.
So, please, join your neighbors and community members and helping kids bike for kids for this great cause in the Midlands. If you would like to register for this event or feel that you may be in need of equipment, please call Abundant Life at 803-720-5240 ext. 101 or email [email protected].
