There are days at Variety where we see our mission in action and that remind us why our work is so important – and this year’s Bikes for Kids was no exception. On Saturday, November 21, Variety provided over 30 adaptive bikes and over 200 standard bikes, designed to meet the unique needs of kids with disabilities to children and teens across the St. Louis region. For each child and family, these bikes represented far more than a gift—they opened the door to movement, confidence, independence, and inclusion.
From the excitement of first rides to the pride on parents’ faces, the impact of the day was felt most strongly through the kids themselves. Every bike told a different story: of a child gaining strength, of siblings riding side by side, of families discovering new ways to play and connect together.
One of those stories belonged to Moe.
Moe is an 18-year-old living with Dup 15Q Syndrome, a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause developmental delays, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, severe epilepsy, and low muscle tone (hypotonia). As Moe has grown, hypotonia has made traditional biking difficult. Still, his parents have always worked to ensure he was able to have the same opportunities of kids his age—sharing the same adventures and experiences that are so central to childhood.
This year, that goal became a reality.
Moe received a MANTIS Frame Runner, an adaptive mobility device that was the first of its kind in the state of Missouri. Designed to support individuals with balance and coordination challenges while encouraging movement and strength-building, the MANTIS offered Moe something truly transformative: the ability to ride alongside his family, not apart from them.
Watching Moe take his first strides on a bike made just for him captured the heart of Bikes for Kids. It was a powerful reminder that adaptive equipment isn’t about limitations; it’s about access, inclusion, and saying “yes” to possibility.
That same impact was felt by families across the event. One parent shared:
“Our daughter receiving this adaptive bike was a blessing! Not only is she so excited to get out and be included now in our bike adventures, she is also gaining muscle strength from all the pedaling. With that increased muscle strength, she can walk for longer distances without being tired so quickly. This bike has also brought out her competitive side when it comes to riding bikes with her younger sister. The race is on! We are so appreciative of this bike, as it has helped our daughter so much!”
Stories like these are why Variety’s work extends far beyond a single day, reimaging what is possible for our Variety Kids and opening doors that may have once been closed. Through adaptive equipment, inclusive programming, and family-centered support, Variety continues to help local children build confidence, independence, and joy in everyday life.
None of this impact would be possible without the community that shows up for these kids and families. We are grateful to Hogan Transportation for delivering the bikes and to our bike-build partners—Bank of America, BUNZL, the David B. Lichtenstein Foundation, Distribution Management, Forvis Mazars, JPMorgan Chase, MX Holdings, Prince Road Church of Christ, and Safety National—along with countless volunteers who helped bring this day to life.
Thanks to our supporters, hundreds of children are riding forward with strength, confidence, and belonging, and families are creating memories that will last a lifetime.
