pages of freedom - Freedom Concepts

PAGES OF FREEDOM
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2
DECEMBER 1, 2011
20/20 Contest Winners!
In the month leading to and during 2011, we celebrated 20 years of Freedom.
To celebrate, we gave everyone the chance to win one of 20 bikes. The
contest runs until May 2012, but we’ve decided to extend it until December
so please continue to submit your entries!
Here are a few of our lucky winners and their submissions:
Inside this
issue:
2
Cerebral Palsy
Spotlight
3
Meet our
Marketing Team
4
Catalogue
Update
5
Wheel of
Dreams
7
Why Australia?
8
Wounded
Warrior Project
8
Variety of GA
Golf Fest
9
Events in
Southwest USA
Bloorview Hospital submission
“I am a growing boy and I want to be
free.
From falling when I try to ride my bike:
Free from losing my balance
Free from slipping off my bike seat
And free from losing my grip
Free to feel the wind on my face
and have fun riding my bike”
Peter Rowson (a quote from his submission)
St. Amant School
Tyler Klassen - Morden School
Watch for our NEW and IMPROVED website (www.freedomconcepts.com)
Sm
ile
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tl
as
t!
2011 is our 20th Anniversary! To celebrate, enter for your chance to win
one of 20 Bikes. Visit http://www.freedomconcepts.com/contests/free-bike
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Winnipeg-MB/Freedom-Concepts-Inc/126381786058
http://twitter.com/FreedomConcepts
http://specialneedsbikes.com
http://www.chill-outchair.com
FUN HAPPINESS IN
Cerebral Palsy Spotlight
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that can
involve brain and nervous system functions such as
movement, learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking.
and treatment is critical in the child’s development.
Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech
Therapy are used on a regular basis.
Cerebral palsy is caused by injuries or abnormalities of
the brain. Most of these problems occur as the baby
grows in the womb, but they can happen at any time
during the first 2 years of life, while the baby’s brain is
still developing. Cerebral palsy occurs in 1.2 – 2.5 births
in 1000 in the United States.
Freedom Concepts’ bikes provide numerous benefits
for children and adults with Cerebral palsy. Bicycling
is an excellent low-impact way to increase circulation,
aerobic capacity and respiration. The cycling movement
is similar to walking in that it encourages the hips,
knees, ankles, and problem areas for many CP patients
to extend. The emotional impact of owning and riding a
bicycle cannot be discounted. Bicycling facilitates social
interaction and creates a common ground with other
non-disabled children or adults.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
There are different types of cerebral palsy, each having
their own unique symptoms. Some people have mixed
symptoms from two different types.
The most common type of cerebral palsy is spastic
cerebral palsy. People with spastic CP typically have
muscles that are very tight, and joints that do not open
up all the way. They may also have an abnormal walk,
muscle weakness or paralysis. Spastic CP symptoms can
affect one arm or leg, one side of the body, both legs, or
both sides of the body.
Athetoid cerebral palsy is less common and is usually
paired with spastic CP. It causes uncoordinated and
uncontrolled movements, like involuntary spasms and
jerky arm and leg movements.
Ataxic cerebral palsy occurs when the damage is to
the cerebellum part of the brain. It results in poor
coordination, balance and unsteady walking.
Cerebral palsy can also cause symptoms in other areas
of the body, including mental impairment, seizure
disorders, vision/hearing problems, incontinence,
nutrition and dental problems.
Treatment of Cerebral Palsy
There is no cure for Cerebral palsy. Early intervention
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The Benefits of Riding
Not only is riding a bicycle a fun activity for children of
all ages, it offers significant health benefits for children
with disabilities:
1. Cycling movement is similar to walking, facilitating the hip, knee and ankle to extend.
2. Physical Activity increases gross motor control while strengthening and maintaining range of motion throughout
3. Exercise- Aerobic capacity and endurance are increased.
4. Health- Ventilation and respiration are improved.
5. Social Skills- Creates a lifetime leisure activity with health and self-esteem benefits.
1.800.661.9915
www.freedomconcepts.com
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NCENTIVE
CENTIVE MOBILITY
Meet CYCLE
Our Marketing
Our
ofTeam
mobility
solution to get their kids riding. I
enjoy linking the families to some of
our wonderful funders who strive to
enhance the lives of children in need.
Jaydene Reardon - SE US Location
Q: Please tell us a little bit about
yourself
A: I moved down to Georgia on a
scholarship for cross country running
at the age of 17. After graduating
with a Sport Management degree,
running has remained a passion of
mine. I enjoy staying involved in the
community through volunteering
at several events, and directing an
annual trail race. I am a firm believer
that sports can help build character,
and teach the values of setting
personal goals. I am the proud mom
of a 2-year-old daughter, and have
been happily married for 7 years.
We love spending time in the Blue
Ridge Mountains and staying active
outdoors.
Q: What is your role at Freedom?
A: I am currently responsible for
marketing & event management at
Freedom Concepts. Although my
primary region is in the Southeast
U.S., I also assist with our corporate
marketing objectives. I help to
educate physical therapists on the
benefits of adaptive bicycles, for
children with special needs and assist
families who are seeking the perfect
Q: What is your favorite aspect of
your new position?
A: My favorite aspect of working at
Freedom Concepts is getting to know
the families on a more personal level.
It is exciting to watch the reaction
of parents when they see their child
ride a bike for the first time, and
never thought it was possible! It is
also inspiring to see how the bikes
influence connections between
siblings by giving them an activity to
do together. In my job, seeing tears is
a good thing!
Q: What are you looking forward to
in 2012?
A: I am looking forward to connecting
with more families through bike days
and other consumer events in 2012. I
am also excited about spreading the
word on how adaptive bikes can give
kids a sense of freedom that only a
good ride can bring.
County, California. I earned my BA in
Advertising and Public Relations from
a local college, Chapman University.
My professional background includes
experience in advertising, marketing,
and sports public relations. I feel
fortunate to have found a position at
Freedom that incorporates all three!
I am a very proud mom of a 3-year
old girl. My Husband and I enjoy
working on our endless list of home
improvement projects and teaching
our daughter to be an Angels baseball
fan.
Q: What is your role at Freedom?
A: I am the Marketing Specialist for
the Southwest region. I work on
all aspects of Freedom’s Marketing
initiatives; from engaging local
families and attending trade shows
to corporate marketing projects like
advertising and publications. Locally, I
build relationships with organizations
and act as Freedom’s ambassador in
the area. I also work with families
to find funding for bikes – whether
that be from organizing a fundraiser,
finding a good match for a charity,
or setting up a bike registry for them
online.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of
your new position?
A: I love meeting and working with
our families. As a mother, I gain so
much inspiration from them. The
patience and devotion they show
towards their children is amazing.
Cristina Hyneman - SW US Location
Q: Please tell us a little bit about
yourself
A: I was born and raised in Orange
Q: What are you looking forward to
in 2012?
A: Expanding my role with Freedom
and having more of a voice in the
community. My region has so many
con’t on page 4
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2
DECEMBER 1, 2011 JOY INDEPENDENCE
Meet Our Marketing Team (cont)
opportunities to explore in terms of
local charitable organizations and
people wanting to help kids. I’m
excited to find more options to help
our families get their bikes!
Candace Giesbrecht - Canada
Q: Please tell us a little bit about
yourself
A: I’m a proud mother of 2
teenagers, who thoroughly enjoy
spending time as a family camping,
biking, taking road trips, and
cuddling together watching a good
movie. I’ve been in the marketing
field for over 5 years and have
worked in various industries that
range from furniture manufacturing
to agricultural magazines. It has
always been my heart’s desire to
work with an organization that really
makes a difference in the lives of
others, and I have found that in
Freedom Concepts.
Q: What is your role at Freedom?
A: My title is Marketing Specialist.
My primary role is to bridge
communication between Freedom
Concepts and our customers (both
internal and external), through
various information tools such as of
our website, company newsletter,
catalogue updates, event planning,
brand messaging, and working with
Ken to keep our message consistent.
My goal is also to expand our list
of funders, and build fundamental
Catalogue Update What’s New?
relationships that will help our
company grow in the coming years.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of
your new position?
A: It’s exciting to be a part of team
that exudes passion and creativity.
Each person here is working towards
a common goal, so the family aspect
is strong. Everyday brings something
new and now with the growth of our
marketing team throughout North
America and Australia, I’m looking
forward to bringing new ideas
together and watching them come to
fruition.
Q: What are you looking forward to
in 2012?
A: I am looking forward to taking
part in bike day and tradeshow
events where I’m able to truly feel
the heart and soul of Freedom
Concepts in action. I’m excited
to see what new and adventurous
opportunities lay ahead.
ASR semi recumbent
Rear Pulley
system
New ASR semi recumbent bike features a lighter chromoly
frame with an adjustable seat for greater inseam range.
New ET2600 with a lighter chromoly frame and internal
geared hub system. It also features an adjustable seat
with a greater inseam range. The lower open frame design
allows for ease of transfer.
ET2600
ET2600
Rear pulley system for footplates is now an option to help
prevent dorsiflexion.
Activity
Tray
Activity tray is now available on all DCP models.
CreatingaaCYCLE
CYCLEofofmobility
mobility
Creating
TM
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1.800.661.9915
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www.freedomconcepts.com
E INITIATIVE PLAY
Wheel of Dreams:
Team KPeasey Makes a Brother’s Dream Come True
impact on the kids and set into
twin brother Evan would form a racing
motion a new attitude among the
team and begin their training.
young athletes. In the summer of
2010, Kyle came to several workouts
to cheer the kids as they prepared for
their upcoming events. His influence
was apparent as racing season neared.
A new ritual was formed as kids began
It all started at the Brownwood Park
marking a ‘K’ on their arms in honor
Recreation Center in East Atlanta,
of Kyle and pulling together at the
meeting place of the Tri-Kids
starting line to chant ‘YES WE CAN’.
Organization. It is a place where kids
The chant was fitting, as it was the
from inner-city neighborhoods are
same words that Kyle re-iterated to
brought together and introduced to
them at their very first meeting.
the sport of triathlon. Their motto
portion of the race, which would
involve pulling Kyle in an inflatable
kayak through the waters of Tampa
Bay. To get ready for the task, Brent
swam countless hours in the pool with
a 5 gallon bucket tied to his waist to
simulate race conditions. The family
also performed test swims in Lake
Allatoona to prepare Kyle for any
adverse conditions. After flipping his
kayak over during one practice, it
helped him prepare mentally for the
“Dream, Believe, Achieve” is fitting
same potential situation happening on
as volunteer coaches help the kids
race day.
commit to a sport that requires
dedication and tenacity.
Brent admits that preparing for
the bike was tricky, knowing that
Dave Dashiell, founder of Tri-Kids
he would have to push at least 100
Inc., is always searching for ways
lbs of extra weight with Kyle on
to continually inspire and motivate
the bike for 40 km, he focused on
the kids to bring forth their best. It
was fitting when he decided to bring
A few months later, Dave and another
inspirational speaker, Kyle Pease, to
volunteer coach Bill McIlwaine
one of their practices to present the
approached Kyle and his family about
kids a different point of view. Kyle
the prospect of him competing in the
was diagnosed at a young age with
sport of triathlon. After having seen
Cerebral Palsy, which left him with
his older brother, Brent, compete
a lack of sensation and decreased
at the Louisville Ironman, it was a
mobility in all four limbs. He may live
dream that Kyle was excited about
primarily in a wheelchair; however, it
pursuing. The family embraced the
never stopped him from participating
idea wholeheartedly, and so began
in various adaptive sports throughout
their new journey to St. Anthony’s. It
his life. Kyle’s words had a profound
was decided that Brent, Kyle and his
VOLUME 3,3,ISSUE
ISSUE 22
VOLUME
Brent would perform the 1.5 km swim
DECEMBER 1,1,2011
2011 DECEMBER
specific techniques such as SFR and
gap training in the North Georgia
mountains. Once they received the
con’t on page 6
FUN HAPPINESS IN
Wheel of Dreams (con’t)
blue shirts with “Yes We Can”
transcribed across the front, family
& friends lined up along the course
ready to cheer with cowbells and
horns.
tandem bicycle from Freedom
Concepts, it gave them more
confidence that their dream was fast
becoming a reality. The tandem gave
Kyle the ability to ride on the front
of the bike, with the best view of
the road and all of the benefits of
cycling. Their first ride was captured
on video with Kyle letting out a huge
scream of excitement as they rolled
down the hill. Later the ride was
described as ‘pure awesomeness’.
For the run portion, Evan & Brent
would both push Kyle through the 10
km course using an adaptive jogging
stroller. Both brothers logged several
miles in the months leading up to
the race taking Kyle out for several
test runs, to ensure that he would be
comfortable on the big day.
The Pease family landed in Tampa
with a team of supporters to watch
Kyle’s dream become a reality. On
the saturday before the race, the
brother’s hopped on the tandem bike
for a quick spin, and took the jogger
out for a test ride.
Finally it was race morning and it
was easy to spot the supporters of
Team KPeasey at the race. Donning
With almost 3,600 people signed up
for the event, officials wanted to
make sure water conditions were
safe. Due to high winds creating
choppy conditions, athletes started
at a beach just north of the
transition area at the North Shore
Aquatic Complex by Vinoy Park.
Starting in the 5th wave of the
“The ride
was described
as pure
awesomeness”
race, the brothers lowered Kyle into
the water on his inflatable kayak.
The nervous energy that Kyle felt
disappeared once the gun went off.
Although the waves were nervewracking, the kayak made him feel
like he was 5 feet above the water.
He soaked in all the energy as Brent
led him around the buoys and back
to the beach.
Evan was immediately at their side
to transition Kyle into the jogging
stroller. Since the start of the race
had been moved down the beach, it
was quite a trek to get to the bike
racks.
After getting situated on the
Freedom Concepts bike, Brent & Kyle
were off to attack the 40 km course
full steam ahead. With the unique
seating system, it was a time during
the race that Kyle felt the most
comfortable.
Before they knew it, transition was
ahead and it was time to finish
the last stretch of the journey.
Although temperatures reached
close to 90 degrees, the brothers
stayed loose on the run and ate ice
to keep cool. The last of Kyle’s built
up adrenaline was released with
only 200 meters left on the run.
With the finish line approaching,
Kyle arched his back and screamed
with excitement. Crossing the line
with his brothers, he realized that
he was now a triathlete! He had
competed on the same course as
3,600 other competitor’s and made
it all the way through to the end.
In that moment, the months of
anticipation and training were worth
every minute, giving him a sense
of accomplishment that he now
describes as ‘one of the best days
of my life’. He encompassed his ‘Yes
We Can’ motto by removing physical
barriers, and keeping his eye on the
goal.
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Sometimes we just need to step
outside our boundaries and enjoy the
freedom.
www.triessential.com
www.trikidstriathlon.com
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CENTIVE MOBILITY
So WhyCYCLE
A ustralia?
Our
of mobility
Well, it all started
with Ken’s dream to
be a surfer and our
relationship with
Variety International.
At Variety’s
International meeting in Hollywood, CA in 2010, Ken had
the pleasure of meeting the majority of the executive
directors in the Variety tents in Australia and around
the world. From these relationships, Ken felt that there
was an opportunity to fulfill his dream of bringing bikes
to the families and children of Australia. Through the
support of Variety, and our executive assistant, Shawna,
as well as the rest of the team at Freedom Concepts at
our home office, Ken proceeded to plan a trip.
We began to make contacts with the people in our
database whom we
had met through World
Physical Therapy and
seating shows throughout
the past 20 years. A
trip was created and
implemented in March
of 2011. Based on our
research and findings
of that trip, we moved forward with the distributor in
the Queensland area. We’re excited to be working with
Special Needs Solutions.
Ken most recently returned from his second trip in
November where he worked with and trained, Tiffany,
Moreen, Bridget and Hayley on the ‘do’s and don’ts’,
“have to’s”, proper bike assessments with clients and
therapists of Queensland. While there, Ken also had the
privilege of participating in the National Physiotherapy
show and they also did the Queensland OT show in
Brisbane.
Ken was able to meet therapists from all over Australia,
and he was encouraged by the response and enthusiasm
of the therapists. Most therapists in the pediatrics area
seemed quite versed in cycling,
and were excited about working
with our chosen distributor
(Special Needs Solutions and
their team).
All in all, the trip was very
successful. We’ve already sold
our first bikes in Australia, and
look forward to a successful
partnership.
Special Needs Solutions
Special Needs Solutions is a young, dynamic and
progressive company specializing in the distribution of
pediatric equipment to a wide range of children with
disabilities in Queensland, Australia.
“As a mother to Bailey who has Muscular Dystrophy, I
am passionate about helping those with a disability,
allowing them to live life to the fulllest, and to achieve
their maximum potential. In other words, to ‘live,
laugh and play’! ~ Tiffany - Founder of Special Needs
Solutions
The team at Special Needs Solutions
www.specialneedssolutions.com.au
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2
DECEMBER 1, 2011
Ken and Bailey
JOY INDEPENDENCE
The Wounded Warrier Project
We were very excited to participate in our first ever
Wounded Warrier project - The Soldier Ride in Nashville, TN
September 22-24th, 2011.
The reason for Freedom Concepts wanting to get involved
and support the Soldier Ride project, is because after 3
years of development, Freedom Concepts will be launching
a new racing handcycle for 2012.
We will be working with one of our best distributors from
Creative Mobility, IL, Hal Honeyman, who provides the
fittings and assessments for all of the soldiers participating
in over 12 rides throughout North America. We felt this
was a great launching pad for our new handcycle, and we
are looking forward to working with the team from the
Wounded Warrier project to sponsor and get more involved in 2012.
It was amazing to see the community come together to support these soldiers, and to raise funds to help provide
programs for these wounded soldiers. The staff (list names) from the Wounded Warrier project and Hal’s son
Dane, welcomed Ken and Curtis Henry (lead engineer based out of our Atlanta office), to all of the functions and
celebrations leading up and during the race.
Check the website for opportunities to be a part of the soldier rides in your area
Variety of GA 42nd
A nnual Golf Fest
In August, the Variety of Georgia hosted the 42nd Annual
Golf Fest event at the beautiful Chateau Elan Winery &
Resort.
The event was held in conjunction with the National
Association of Theater Owner’s event, ShowSouth,
drawing movie industry members from all over the
Southeast US. With plenty of festivities leading up to the
golf tournament, the Variety of Georgia raised $175,000
to help enhance the lives of local children in need who
may be challenged by physical/mental disabilities,
www.woundedwarriorproject.org
poverty, abuse or neglect. Jaydene Reardon and Rob
MacFarlane were on hand to help volunteer throughout
the tournament. Not only did they get a chance to help
on the golf course by giving players a shot at their poker
hand, they also assisted with bike presentations for
3 wonderful
kids who were
thrilled about
getting a new
set of wheels!
Thanks to Variety
of Georgia for
helping more
kids feel the
Freedom of a
good ride.
Creating a CYCLE of mobility
TM
1.800.661.9915
www.freedomconcepts.com
E
INITIATIVE
PLAY
Rett’s Family Picnic and Stroll-a-thon
On October 22, families affected by Rett Syndrome
gathered in Long Beach, California for a family picnic and
Stroll-a-thon. Freedom Concepts was on hand with plenty
of bikes for the girls to ride on and enjoy.
Families enjoyed a fun day of activities like arts and crafts,
a bouncy house, and a great lunch that culminated in a
stroll around the lake. Many Freedom Concepts riders
participated in the stroll-a-thon by cycling.
The Event was created by the International Rett Syndrome
Foundation (IRSF) to help increase awareness about Rett
Syndrome. RS is a nervous system disorder that leads
to developmental reversals, especially in the areas of
expressive language and hand usage. Organizer Sherry
Brady did a fantastic job of planning the event from start
to finish. She secured donations and sponsorships from
huge companies like Sears, Oakley, and Starbucks. Many
companies donated great items such as cameras, iPods
and gift cards for a raffle. IRSF raised over $29,000 for RS
research!
4th A nnual Wheels to Succeed Bike Race
In May 2007, McMains Children’s
Developmental Center, located in
Baton Rouge, LA, developed a new
program called Wheels To Succeed.
It was created to promote the
benefits of cycling for children with
special needs, and assist families
with funding for adaptive bicycles.
In October, Freedom Concepts was
proud to sponsor the 4th Annual
Wheels to Succeed kids bike race
at Louisiana State University. There
were 80 kids from all over the state
of Louisiana that came out to the
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2
event to compete in coordinated bike
races. There were 28 kids who were
able to ride their very own adaptive
bikes to in the event. The majority
of the bikes were Freedom Concepts
bikes - funded through Wheels to
Succeed over the last 5 years! Demo
bikes were also on hand for kids who
needed a set of wheels to compete
in the race. With the help of a great
team of volunteers and the LSU
gymnastics team, kids zoomed around
a makeshift track that was set up on
campus. It was a beautiful day with
DECEMBER 1, 2011 plenty of smiles to be found! We
salute Wheels to Succeed for their
commitment to getting kids riding and
helping families to make that dream a
reality.
AFREEDOM
C C E P CONCEPTS
TA N C E
Online $1,000 Contest Winners
May
July
A ugust
Stacey M - Starfish Therapies
Sean B - New Jersey
Molly M - Massachusetts
www.freedomconcepts.com
September
Abigail B - Louisiana
Variety of the Desert’s 7th Annual
K-Swiss Desert Smash
Our southwest representative, Jason Getz, had the great
experience of sharing a day in the desert sun at the 7th
Annual K-Swiss Desert Smash this past March. It was a fun
filled day of great tennis, and a chance to meet and greet
today’s top players like, Novak Djokovic and Caroline
Wozniacki, to support the children of the Coachella Valley.
La Quinta Resort & Club is the backdrop to one of today’s
top tennis exhibitions and Pro Am/Celebrity tournaments
in the country. This event helped raise money and promote
Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert’s work with
children whom are underprivileged and with special needs
in the surrounding Coachella Valley.
Novak Djokovic, Maria Sharapova, Andre Agassi and stars
including Gavin Rossdale, Gwen Stefani, Christian Slater
and Joe Pesci. They also help raise money for Variety
Children’s Charity of the Desert.
Jason and Cristina are also looking forward to joining
Variety of Desert at the upcoming 16th annual KPLM Big
106 Radiothon Annual Bike Give Away December 4th, 2011.
They will be giving away to children of the Coachella
Valley a brand new DCP bike and helmet. They will also
take part in personally delivering 3 Freedom Concepts
bikes to 3 very special children to help get everyone in the
holiday spirit.
Celeste was the star of the day as she rode her new
Freedom Concepts DCP16 on center court with the
assistance of the Bryan Brothers, Bob and Mike (#1 ranked
ATP doubles).
Jason and Cristina Hyneman (our newest addition to
the Southwest branch) are already looking forward
to the 8th Annual K•SWISS Desert Smash that will
take place March 6th and 7th, 2012 at the stunning La
Quinta Resort and Club. The star-studded affair is where
pro tennis and Hollywood collides with players such as
10 Creating a CYCLE of mobility
TM
1.800.661.9915
www.freedomconcepts.com