The Wheels of Connection

When Mike Kane was five years old, he graduated from a tricycle to a bike. “I remember riding around the block all by myself for the first time,” he says. “It was an amazing feeling to be totally independent. That’s the exact moment I fell in love with biking—and that love affair has continued today.”

He adds, “It’s also the reason I recently applied for Craig’s Adaptive Recreational Equipment Scholarship. I requested funding for a Bowhead RX handcycle, which features a powerful electric assist system, because this bike will allow me to hit the trails with my wife, Vic, and our 10-year-old daughter, Aila. I can’t wait to ride together with my family and share the amazing feeling of freedom and adventure with them.”

Accepting Reality

Back in March 1994, Mike sustained a spinal cord injury while skiing in Durango. After spending about two weeks in a New Mexico hospital, the 22-year-old college student transferred to Craig for three months of SCI neurorehabilitation.

“Craig was an amazing place, and I was lucky to be there,” he explains. “The staff not only help you accept your reality, but they focus on teaching you how to navigate the world after a life-changing accident. When I think back to that difficult time, I felt like they did a great job setting me up for the future.”

Mike recalls first learning how to ride an adaptive bike in Recreational Therapy: “It was a Freedom Ryder handcycle, and it opened my eyes to what was possible. I realized that my passion for biking didn’t need to end just because I was in a wheelchair.”

Redefining the Ride

Over the years, Mike has owned several adaptive bikes, but the Bowhead RX is specifically designed for single-track use and provides electric assist to allow riders to pedal with less strain on their bodies.

“This particular handcycle enables me to access terrain that is currently out of reach,” he says. “It also helps decrease the physical strain on my shoulders, which is very important for long-term mobility. I first heard about Craig’s scholarship program last December at my IOE  [Interdisciplinary Outpatient Evaluation] and decided to apply because the Bowhead is a very pricey piece of equipment.”

The donor-supported scholarship program allows Craig to partner with grads and ensure they are receiving the right piece of equipment, while also supplementing the high cost of adaptive equipment.

“Craig strongly believes in the power of sport and recreation to foster inclusion and help develop confidence, independence and strength,” explains Donna Goldberg, Craig recreational therapist. “This scholarship program is important because we feel that a desire to lead an active, healthy life should not be limited by personal financial challenges.”

Mike adds, “The scholarship is yet another way that Craig supports patients and grads, and I am so grateful for the help. As soon as I get the Bowhead, Vic, Aila and I will eagerly hit the trails. One of my favorite experiences has been riding alongside Aila when she first learned how to ride a bike, and I can’t wait to ride alongside her once again.”

To learn more or donate to help Craig grads like Mike, please visit craighospital.org/foundation/donate.