Photo By Cpl. Jackeline Perez Rivera | The recipients of new push chairs, Little Geronime (left) and Aaron (right), sit...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- As Aaron sped across the finish line of Midway Park Community Center’s Great Pumpkin Haul Fun Run on Saturday, a smile beamed from his face as he enjoyed the thrill from his new push chair, a present from a group of angels.
The adaptive wheelchair for athletic activities, was given to him by members of Eastern Carolina’s chapter of Ainsley’s Angels of America, and it served as a ticket to the joys of racing for Aaron, a special needs military child, and his family.
"It was just a blessing," said Nellie Muro Serrano, his mother. "It meant the world. This community and Ainsley’s Angels are just amazing."
Ainsley’s Angels is a nonprofit group dedicated to bringing the excitement of athletic events to disabled and special needs members of the community. According to their website, the group aims to bring inclusion and awareness to the special needs community.
"We’re a running group that enables people of all abilities to participate in endurance events," Michelle Smith, the president of the Eastern Carolina’s chapter of Ainsley’s Angels of America.
"We’re an athletic ride-along program and we provide equipment that may be needed for individuals with disabilities."
The group is comprised of "angels," volunteers who run alongside or push "Captains," disabled or special needs team members, during athletic activities.
"Individuals with disabilities are our main focal point," said Smith. "They’re our captains. That’s what our teams are all about. Our runners, who (we call) Angels, simply lend their legs so our Captains can experience the thrill of endurance events."
Angels and captains can be anyone, she added, regardless of physical fitness level, disability or age.
The group breaks barriers down for the captains, and includes them in activities they may not otherwise be able to participate in, said Smith, a native of Jacksonville, North Carolina.
They do the same for the families of captains. Three members of Ainsley’s Angels raised $900 to buy Aaron and his family the adaptive chair of his own, holding bake sales and seeking donations.
"This brings back some normalcy to our lives," said Serrano. "We’re the type of family that loves to be out and about."
Due to limited accessibility, some places became off-limits or required great coordination to manage for Serrano and her family. The chair allows them to enjoy the outdoors. Serrano looks forward to running on the beach with her children.
Ainsley’s Angels also donated a chair to Little Geronime, a new Captain in Ainsley’s Angels, who faced similar challenges. For Little Geronime’s family, the new chair mended their hearts after months of trials and challenges.
"Our lives have been truly changed by this group," said Rebecca. "If we had known this group had existed before we would have started smiling again long ago."
Little Geronime has faced life threatening medical conditions since his birth, and his family encountered challenges maintaining normalcy through the hardships.
"Our family hasn’t done anything fun in months," said Avis Rebecca, his mother.
Since joining the group Rebecca, a military spouse and a native of Jacksonville, N.C., and her family experienced joy and excitement. Little Geronime’s siblings were able to participate in the fun run and enjoy quality time with their brother.
The new chair also meant her family would be able to venture out whenever they pleased.
"They’re wonderful," said Rebecca.
She encouraged anybody with special needs family and anybody who want to support the special needs community to participate.
"Ainsley’s Angels takes you in and just loves you," said Rebecca.
For more information, visit www.ainsleysangel.org/ainsley-s-angel-of-eastern-carolina.html.
| Date Taken: | 10.23.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.10.2014 09:12 |
| Story ID: | 149918 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 49 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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