Mackenzie Soldan

I would be honored to receive a handcycle. Having a hand bike gives me more freedom. I can ride around with my friends and my sister and actually keep up with them. I could also use it to build up my strength for races or for other sports. It would be exciting to receive a handcycle. I could compete in fundraisers and other contests or races. Thank you for your time.

Mackenzie Soldan

April 12, 2006

To Whom It May Concern:

Please accept my request for a grant for a handcycle for my 12-year-old daughter, Mackenzie Ann Soldan. She is in 8th grade, attends Christian Academy of Louisville, and is an honor student.

Mackenzie was diagnosed with a rare spinal cord tumor at the age of 11 months. We were told twice that she would not live. She beat the odds and is doing well today (after 3 major surgeries), but the tumor did leave her paralyzed from the waist down. Mackenzie loves sports and competes in basketball, tennis, and ahs broken national records in track and field. She recently received 1st Team All Tournament at the wheelchair basketball Nationals held in IL in March. She was the only girl to achieve this prestigious award in the tournament. She has been told by many that she will someday be in the Paralympics in the sport of her choice, and she believes it. She's modest in every respect, but gives 100% for her team when she's competing.

We would be honored if you could supply her with a chair that she could not only ride for pleasure with her sister, but one that she could race in as well. Right now her handbike is way too small for her so she can't ride at all. She's been invited to a race several times, but can't unless she can find a handcycle to borrow. The last time we bought her a handbike was the age of 4 so you can see she really could use a new one.

Thank you for considering her and we look very forward to hearing from you!!!

Sincerely,
Jannine Soldan