IM ABLE Welcomes Two!
Christmas Eve had another special meaning this year for everyone involved with IM ABLE. We drew a tremendous crowd with some special guests, Rep. Dante Santoni and Senator Judy Schwank who came out to support us while we presented 11 year old Meaghan Eppenstein and 33 year old Jake Chalfin with their new handcycles. Helping to present these two deserving recipients was our friend, supporter and Got the Nerve? 2012 Title Sponsor, Eric Schippers from Penn National Gaming who presented a check for $8,000 to IM ABLE before the presentation.
Everyone we present an adaptive piece of equipment to comes with their own unique story and creates a special experience for us at IM ABLE to see the reaction of those we are helping. 11 year old Meaghan’s mother Lori, kept the grant approval a secret so Meaghan was unaware she would be getting a brand new handcycle when she cane into IM ABLE on Christmas Eve. This was apparent when we introduced her and let her know the blue Intrepid handcycle that was sitting behind us was hers! She was emotional and her smile lit up the room. She along with our other grant recipient Jake immediately got to work getting outside and taking their new rides for a spin despite the chilly morning. These two recipients represent exactly what IM ABLE wants to promote and will be great role models for others with disabilities to show what IS possible.
Meghan’s mom summed up the excitement that we are so fortunate to experience - “…she had no idea she was getting her handcycle…after she was told she was stunned and went over to her cycle and I knelt beside her and said Merry Christmas Babygirl and she wrapped her arms around me and cried and said thank you mommy…geez never thought I’d have the bike kind of moment as a parent with her condition BUT thanks to IM ABLE Foundation, Chris Kaag and all the wonderful people involved it became a reality ….”
Click here to see news clip on presentation
- L-R: Meaghan Eppenstein, Rep. Dante Santoni, Chris Kaag, Judy Schwank and Jake Chalfin
