Danny’s Ride to Alaska

Danny’s Ride to Alaska

Jun 27, 2018 | Inclusion, Mobility

What does riding a bike mean?

It means freedom…independence… mobility. Whether you’re on your motorcycle heading to Alaska or pedaling your first adaptive bike down the sidewalk to join your friends – everyone loves a bike!

Variety KC’s partner, Danny O’Neill – the Owner/ Founder of The Roasterie, gets that! And he’s doing something about it. Danny is taking off on an Arctic Bike Ride to Alaska while raising funds to buy adaptive bikes for kids with special needs.

 An adaptive bike not only provides esteem-boosting mobility for a child with special needs, it provides an opportunity for much needed physical activity and inclusion! Adaptive bikes start at $2,500 and unfortunately are not covered by insurance.

Won’t you help Danny in his efforts to make sure every child has a bike?

Donate Now

Meet the Kids: Darrius

Jun 26, 2018 | Meet the Kids

Darrius

Darrius is Variety Kid who can’t hear, speak, or walk. He is cared for by a dedicated grandmother who is finding it increasingly painful to move him as he grows. One major mobility hurdle is simply getting him out of the house in his wheelchair. A ramp would make the effort so much safer for Darrius and his family. So that’s what generous Variety donors did! Provided a life-changing ramp so that Darrius could get out more! Help other kids like Darrius, donate to Varietykc.org today. Thank you!

Meet the Kids: Antonio

Meet the Kids: Antonio

Jun 19, 2018 | Meet the Kids, Mobility

Blind & Deaf Child Needs Variety’s Help

Little Antonio is deaf, blind, and has Phelan McDermid Syndrome. Because of his lack of strength and motor skills, Antonio is unable to sit in a regular chair. He loves taking a bath, but has outgrown a safe baby tub. He has also outgrown his highchair and now has no place to sit to participate in activities. There is a positioning chair that would allow him to sit up in a bath or at a table, but they are very expensive and not covered by insurance. Variety KC and the Caring Program for Children, administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, have made sure Antonio will soon be sitting tall! What’s more, his mother will be able to more safely assist him. We couldn’t do it without great community partners like Blue Cross and Blue Shield. If your company is interested in helping kids Be Active, Be Social and Belong, email us – varietykc@gmail.com.

Meet the Kids: Connor

Meet the Kids: Connor

Jun 12, 2018 | Meet the Kids

3 with Autism

Connor is an adorable 3-year-old who has been diagnosed with Autism. At this time he is non-verbal; but he is trying so hard. His family can’t understand the few sounds he makes and that frustrates him. His older brother also has Autism, but he is verbal. Their mother explains how much more difficult it is when a child can’t communicate. She worries that he can’t tell them when his stomach aches or when he is thirsty, or even sad. An iPad and apps could change all that and they are especially helpful when started at a young age. Variety KC’s generous supporters believe every child should have a voice – and Connor is getting his! Help us to find a way for other kids like Connor to Be Active, Be Social…BE VOCAL, and Belong. Donate today.

Meet the Kids: Anthony

Meet the Kids: Anthony

Jun 5, 2018 | Communication, Meet the Kids

Can you imagine not being able to speak?

It’s a reality for Anthony. He has seen so many speech therapists and finally his family was given a name for the condition that makes him unable to speak, Apraxia. He is a little boy with so much to say and is terribly frustrated that nobody understands what he wants and needs. Recently, he started working on an iPad at school. He took to it right away and is so excited that he can communicate at school. The iPad has to stay at school, so what Anthony needs is an iPad at home – but it is too much for the family at this time. Variety KC believes every child should have a voice and Anthony’s family is looking forward to finally being able to communicate with him. There are so many kids like Anthony; only an iPad away from communicating. Help give another child a voice, donate today!