Life hasn’t always been easy for the Leithold family.
Their youngest daughter, Kyrie, was born with a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness –
So it’s been no simple task for her to do things most kids can do.-
Emily Medalen gives us a look at how one group of students that put the pedal to the medal to give kids mobility.
Kyrie Leithold is now four years old – and her parents told me that her inability to be mobile is the most difficult part of her disorder.
But, one group of college students changed that.
“There are so many different ways that you can get someone to be mobile in the community,” says Lyndsi Klundt, PT Student.
That’s the idea that drove these college students to join Go Baby Go – a program that builds cars — and confidence — for children with disabilities.
“Everybody’s so happy. There’s smiles everywhere,” says Shaunna Messner, PT Student.
Four year old Kyrie Leithold was born with Myotonic Dystrophy – a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness.
“That gets frustrating for her because she can’t go where she wants to go… especially being four, and normally four year olds are running around like crazy,” says Derrick Leithold, Kyrie’s Dad.
Kyrie’s dad told me that it’s difficult for he and Kyrie’s mom to watch as her older sister is able to zoom around the yard in her car, and Kyrie can’t. But now, thanks to Go Baby Go, they don’t have to feel that way anymore.”
The students spent weeks modifying these automatic cars – and now, EVERY child can cruise around all by themselves.
“She’s going to be backing out of garages before we know it!” says Klundt.
For Leithold, giving his youngest daughter a chance to move on her own- is what matters most.
“Getting her out of the car was a struggle because it was like – she wanted to go. She knows, “This is mine, and I get to drive it.'”
Derrick told me the Leithold’s have big plans for the weekend… and this time, Kyrie can be apart of every minute of it.
“I’m guessing the battery will probably run out!” he says.
Go Baby Go is a program that U Mary students are a part of every year.
