It's like riding a bike...

Note: if you don't want to read it all, at least scroll to the last paragraph.  Please.  But it's not really very long, so...

Instead of Yummy Monday tonight, I've got a different kind of post for you.  It's a good one.  Ready?


I'd like to introduce you to my good friend Jaimelyn and her daughter Aurora.

I met Jaime in college.  Because we were both Theatre majors we had a ton of classes together, did a lot of productions together, and just generally spent a majority percent of our time together.  

I was winner of "biggest hair" in this show

She had a no-nonsense, down-to-earth take on the world (somewhat more cynical than my optimistic view) and we shared a love for Shakespeare, makeup, accents, good food and sarcasm.  

So, we're dancing in this picture... in case you were wondering...

And when I met her daughter I really fell in love.

Aurora is charming.  One outing with this girl and you'll be smitten - I promise you that.  She has a big heart, a willingness to love and trust, and a happy nature.  When I met her she was about 3 and was in the process of learning to walk and talk.  We used sign language a little bit and Jaime and Aurora came up with my very own sign for "Kim" (it has to do with a large open mouth, since I talk a lot.) (Hm.)
Aurora has a partial trisomy of the 16th chromosome.  It's a pretty rare genetic abnormality, and with it comes several physical obstacles.  As I mentioned before, it took her some time to learn to walk and talk, and to reach many other milestones that kids generally overtake in toddler-dom.  Her doctors originally told Jaime that Aurora most likely would never walk OR talk... let alone ride a bike.

Aurora has obviously proven those doctors wrong.  Except in one area - because, try as she might, she can't ride a bike.
Like most 10 year olds, Aurora is infatuated with bikes.  She loves them.  She loves watching them.  She loves seeing other people ride them.  She has tried many times - unsuccessfully - to ride a bike of her own.


Why am I telling all of you this?  For one very important reason.  This week, Friendship Circle of Michigan is giving away 14 adaptive bicycles to kids in need of them.  And Aurora really is in need of one.
Adaptive bicycles are incredibly expensive.  With a special bike like this, Aurora could finally be able to ride!  It would be an amazing gift for Aurora AND her mom if we could make this happen.


You can help, and it'll only take a few minutes.  All you have to do is go to the voting page on fb, click on the "like" button in the corner, and find Aurora's picture.  You can do a keyword search (ctrl+F) and search "Aurora".  She is listed under Jaimelyn Gray.  Once you find her, click "vote."
That's it!  That's all it takes!  Two clicks and just a bit of your time.  No money, no incredible effort on your part.  But with those two simple clicks you really could change this little girl's life forever.  And how priceless is that?

Vote here!  (don't forget to "like" the page, then find Aurora!) Voting ends Friday.  Go right away!

*Be sure to check the right sidebar for all the fun parties I link to!