Hannah Chilton

Dear Athletes Helping Athletes,
I would like a handcycle because it would be fun and good exercise for me.

Thank you,
Hannah
July, 2004


Dear Athletes Helping Athletes Foundation,
My daughter, Hannah, is 8 years old and was born with Spina Bifida. She has been in a wheelchair since age 2 and has undergone 11 surgeries. A handcycle would make her incredibly happy and help her to increase her level of physical activity.

In November of last year, Hannah had surgery to increase the size of her bladder because her small bladder was causing damage to her kidneys. She was supposed to be in the hospital for a period of 5 to 7 days. After 2 weeks, she was growing weaker and her doctor did not know what was wrong. They finally figured out that she had developed peritonitis. Her bladder and bowels were leaking into her body, poisoning and infecting it. She underwent a second 7-hour surgery to fix everything and ended up in ICU for 2 more weeks. Her total hospital stay was 1 month, and 1 surgery turned into 4.

She is doing fine now but has lost a lot of her strength and has gained some weight. She works with a coach at school where she plays adaptive sports such as baseball and soccer. Currently, there are no wheelchair sports in our area, and I feel that a handcycle would greatly benefit Hannah's athletic ability and health.

She is a very bright and happy child despite the trauma she has been through in her life. This generous gift would not only increase Hannah's strength but her confidence as well. She is a very social child and would love to ride bikes with her friends in the neighborhood.

Please consider Hannah as a candidate for a handcycle. Thank you for all you do for children with disabilities. And I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
Julie Chilton