XTO provides custom-fit bikes for children with disabilities

“We are proud to support a community program that gives these children the freedom and joy of riding alongside their friends and family,” said Mike Johnson, vice president, Appalachia Division.

With a mission to enable children with disabilities to live life to the fullest and provide opportunities to discover the possibilities for their own lives, Variety the Children’s Charity created the My Bike Program to equip children with disabilities, between the ages of four and 21, with customized-adaptive bicycles.

“Many times our kids are told they’ll never do this or they can’t do that. Riding a bike is often one of the things their parents have been told they will never see their kid do,” said Charlie LaVallee, chief executive officer, Variety Children’s Charity. “But today here at XTO, these kids are riding a bike and their parents are part of it.”

Four-year-old Tessa, from Cabot, Pa., has spina bifida and was one of the children to receive a custom bicycle.

“I don’t have to worry about her feeling left out, and I get to watch her enjoy the same things her brothers get to do,” said Tessa’s mom, Amy Carbungco. “It’s so wonderful that XTO gave us this opportunity, and it’s so gracious of them to buy the bikes for these kids."