RONAN CLANCY, born with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy, is shown with his parents Duane and Elizabeth Clancy and his sister Saoirse. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Laurie Hunt and others in the community, Ronan’s dream is about to come true. A brand new adaptive bike has been purchased and will be customized to meet his needs.
By GAIL LOWE
WAKEFIELD — Like most little boys, Ronan Clancy, Wakefield resident and 7-year-old son of Duane and Elizabeth Clancy, wants to be like his peers. He dreams about taking part in activities all his friends and classmates enjoy, but when you live with a disease like Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy — as Ronan does — such activities are nearly impossible.
Wakefield resident Laurie Hunt believes that every little boy and girl should have the chance to experience the joy of bike riding and thanks to her efforts and the efforts of members of the Wakefield community, Ronan’s dream is about to come true.
Over the weekend, a goal was met to raise approximately $6,700 for the purchase of a customized bike just for Ronan.
Any additional funds raised will be applied to buffer any add-ons needed for the bike and Ronan’s hippotherapy treatments, which are not covered by insurance.
Ronan’s family will work with his physical therapist to order the correct accessories for his new bike.
Hunt also explained that Go Fund Me, the website used to raise the funds, charges 7.9 percent of the funds raised and 30 cents for each donation.
“Bike riding is such a simple pleasure, a rite of passage in childhood,” Hunt said. “For children with special needs, the cost of adaptive bikes is very high. If you have ever met Ronan you know his smile is contagious and he truly brings joy to everyone he meets.”
The cost of a specialized bike, if purchased by June 30, was priced at $4,600 and an additional $1,500 in accessories was estimated to customize the bike to meet Ronan’s needs.
Online donations continue to be accepted at www.gofundme.com/ronanclancy or at The Savings Bank where an account has been established under the name “A Ride For Ronan.”
A plan is in the works for a special day for all of Ronan’s fans to see him on his new bike when it arrives and to raise money for the Reaching For The Stars Foundation for Cerebral Palsy research.
Information about the manufacturer of adaptive bikes — Frank Mobility Systems, Inc. — can be viewed at www.frankmobiliy.com/duetsale.
