Latest News

New Chapter Bootcamp Presentations

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:25:53 -0500

Length of Each Session: 30-45 minutes in length

Purpose: We will cover many topics that new chapters need to know, whether they know it or not. Each individual session will be posted for download afterwards.

Archived Presentations:

November 1st - History of AMBUCS: View | Download
This session will provide a broad organizational overview and history of AMBUCS. Presented by AMBUCS Executive Director Joe Copeland (NC: Piedmont).

November 8th - Building Your Chapter: Recruitment, Big Hat Club, Infrastructure: View | Download
This session will show how best to enlarge community outreach and build broad support within the community. Presented by AMBUCS Executive Director Joe Copeland (NC: Piedmont) & AMBUCS National President Rick Kerr (OK: Lawton).

November 15th - AMBUCS Network: What’s in it for my chapter? View | Download
This session is a panel discussion and will cover the following topics: why get involved with meetings, training, and other support inherent by collaboration with other chapters/leaders. Presented by AMBUCS National President Rick Kerr (OK: Lawton).

November 29th - AmTryke: Managing Your Wish List: This session will teach your chapter how to use a Wish List database tracking tool as well as how to manage the your chapter’s Wish List. Presented by AMBUCS Sales/Member Services Coordinator Dannell Copeland (NC: Piedmont).
Download the Presentation!
Bonus Templates: Donation Thank You Letter Template | Help Another Rider Letter Template | Wish List Placement Letter Template | Wish List Management: Acess | Excel

December 6th - Marketing: View | Download
This session will outline steps on effectively getting your chapter on the map in your community. Presented by AMBUCS Director of Marketing & Communications Marianna Bryce (NC: Piedmont).

December 13th – Fundraising: Download the Presentation
This session will provide information on fundraising activity for chapters – both grant writing & special events. Presented by AMBUCS Grant Coordinator Bob Richard (IL: Danville) & AMBUCS Member Robert Faulk (OK: Enid).

Branding Time Winners Announced - Fall 2011

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:13:00 -0500

New! Online Crossword Puzzle, Based on AMBUCS Magazine Winter 2011 Issue

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:56:39 -0500

5th Annual Wallis Independence Ride

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:38:45 -0500

by Cathy Carter Harley

Searching for the burn of a good workout by pumping the rear pedals of a tandem bike brought retired Sgt. Major Jesse Acosta a little closer to physical freedom. Under his dark sunglasses, his prosthetic eyes saw nothing of the blue sky filled with white clouds, but he welcomed the wind and warmth of the sun against his face. For the fifth year, Acosta joined about 50 other severely wounded Purple Heart recipients on the Wallis Independence Ride near Houston, Texas. The 66-mile route offered wounded veterans a chance to find a physical recreational outlet, challenge their physical boundaries and renew their spirits. Since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, veterans who might have lost their lives in previous wars without today’s medical technology have come home to face the battle of a lifetime: coming to terms with severe injuries.

Sgt. Major Jesse Acosta

Three miles into a training mission with his troops in Iraq Jan. 16, 2006, Acosta was left blind when a mortar round blasted through the left side of Acosta’s face and exited on the right, and another shelling permeated his brain and went out through his left eye.

Acosta is one of the highest-ranking, non-commissioned officers with the most severe injuries. Shrapnel remains in his legs. His face was reconstructed using wires, Teflon and pig skin, his jaw was bone grafted, and implants were installed for new teeth. He also suffered some hearing loss, and the cartilage was blown out of his knee. His calf muscle was left herniated.

The former runner, cyclist, weightlifter and softball player now depends on his 120-pound German shepherd, Charlie Boy, and a white cane for independence. Four or five times a year, Acosta gladly trades in his daily routine at home on a stationary bike, weightlifting and fast paced walk on a treadmill for a tandem bike at the Wallis Ride and the Lt. Dan Weekend Ride in Beaufort, S.C. In complete darkness, he puts his faith in his captain this year, Robert Martin, to steer him to a safe path of freedom on the open road.

Rides like this help the veterans discover camaraderie and strength for breaking barriers erected by their handicaps.

“When I was first introduced to the Indy fund (The Independence Fund) for the first time and rode a bike, I was free once again,” Acosta said of his first ride on a tandem bike at Wallis, 16 months after he was injured.

“I was eager and I was anxious to get back into the game.” Acosta said: “I was in my element, I could push myself like I use to providing that my captain can hang with me.”

He has rediscovered the good burn of a workout through tandem cycling.

“I have been very fortunate that it has all come together for me in that sense,” Acosta said. “I feel like me when I ride. I only wish I could do this every week for about 20 to 30 miles so that I feel burned out and good inside.”

Acosta now fights another, more personal war, a battle to help severely wounded veterans get the benefits they were promised or obtain help through other nonprofits. Acosta credits The Independence Fund’s founder for his liberation.

“I’ve been blessed to come across Steve Danyluk (founder of the Independence Fund) and its supporters who help us out,” Acosta said. “I am truly blessed.”

Now a member of the Independence Fund Board, Acosta’s mission is to help other wounded vets find that same freedom. The fund sponsors two weekend events to help wounded warriors recently released from hospitals or ready for rehabilitation. These weekends include seminars on becoming independent as well as activities and counseling for their caregivers, spouses and children.

For the second year in Beaufort, the group has been treated to a concert by “CSI: New York” TV star Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band.

In his travels to visit wounded warriors and those fighting overseas, Sinise, was recognized by many wounded vets as the double amputee Lt. Dan from the movie “Forrest Gump,” filmed partly in Beaufort. With more than a dozen musician friends, Sinise started the band to entertain the warriors. He now plays concerts for The Independence Fund with his “Lt. Dan Band” in Beaufort to help raise money to help these vets reintegrate into society and become independent through the purchase of cycles, iBOT wheelchairs and help with home conversions not covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

U.S. Army Specialist Qwen Kendle

The rides are more than just one person, one cycle. More than 500 people including Wallis locals, and cycle clubs from across the United States and more than 70 volunteers joined these warriors in the fifth annual ride across the Wallis countryside in October.

Metal plates and screws held U.S. Army Specialist Qwen Kendle’s ankle together as she pedaled a 10-speed bike.

"The Wallis Ride was about being a part of something that really matters for other people and not just about yourself,” Kendle said.

One of only two female wounded warriors at this event, and a transportation operator, Kendle severely broke her ankle while on duty in Afghanistan.

Her journey to her first ride in Wallis was a long one.

Initially, she was transferred to Germany, then Aviano, Italy, where the metal plates and screws secured her ankle during her first surgery. She received physical therapy and continued to work using crutches. She came home in December 2010. By August 2011, Kendle was transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center’s Wounded Transitional Unit (WTU) in San Antonio, Texas.

"This is where you do therapy and concentrate on getting better,” Kendle said. “If you cannot get better within six months to one year, they (the military) release you.”

Through her therapy at WTU, Kendle discovered cycling through the adaptive sports program to be therapeutic in her fight to heal her ankle, and as a way to fight Post Traumatic Stress disorder, depression and weight gain.

By mid-September, Kendle had joined Team America, the WTU’s cycle team, and by October, she took her first ride at Wallis.

Her constant pain during the 22-mile ride was relieved by the inspiration from other riders.

“It was awesome,” she said of the ride. “There are other vets out there who are missing a limb or have these metal things on a limb, and they are riding their hearts out.”

Other riders gave her a positive outlook on her own life.

“I was excited to hear the other riders’ stories,” Kendle said. “It was rewarding to be a part of something to help the greater good of people. There were guys who lost part of their legs who were encouraging us and sharing their stories about what they went through and their experience. It was very uplifting, and makes you grateful. I’m not missing a limb.....I can walk.”

Prior to her injury, Kendle ran 20 minutes a day and took cycle classes, but she has found the outdoor cycling more rewarding.

“It is like you and the road,” she said. “It is very rewarding, and you are accomplishing something, You are pushing your legs to get to there. It feels so good to start it off and end it.”

Cycling also offered her one way to get a cardio workout because she could no longer run. She hopes to soon move into rowing and water aerobics as alternative workouts.

Joining the military at age 30, Kendle sought a career move from being a customer service representative to one with substance such as the Army.

“I wanted more meaning to my life,” she said of her service in Italy and Afghanistan where she dodged rockets and rocket propelled grenades and where one of her fellow trainees lost his life.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Oliver Hughes

One of Kendle’s inspirations is another Team America rider, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Oliver Hughes, 35, of Colorado. Hughes’ left leg was lost in a blast during his second tour in Afghanistan April 13, 2011. Hughes was riding second in convoy of a seek and destroy team and working as a scout while training another soldier to take over his position.

An IED exploded on Hughes’ side of the truck making the floorboards meet the dash boards. “It pinched both legs between,” Hughes said. “When I tried to free my left leg it tore it off and my right leg was like an ‘s’ shape. It took two guys, a crowbar and a 2x4 to get me out with my right leg.”

He remembers making jokes in the medical helicopter and lost consciousness for the first time when he reached the hospital.

The explosion happened four months into his second tour in Afghanistan when Hughes was 19 days short of heading back to the states to attend the Army’s physician assistant school. Instead he became a patient.

“I was planning to come here for physician’s assistant school,” said Hughes now with Team America, which participates in rides for nonprofits. “The injuries have put my career and life with the Army on hold.”

Daily routines of physical therapy five days a week for more than two hours a day, as well as the hustle and bustle of constant doctor’s appointments have come routine in the life of the father of four.

For now with his prosthetic left leg and an aluminum hexapod that is drilled into his right leg, Hughes said he can walk for a short amount of time until the pain takes over and “I have to sit down.”

To complete the 22 mile ride on his recumbent cycle, Hughes had to use a tray to hold his right leg which is encircled by the hexapod shaped Taylor Spatial Frame that was surgically implanted in May. The metal frame encircles the entire lower leg with screws drilled into his bone to keep them in alignment. “They have to stay in proper alignment so everything grows straight when it mends itself. I started with an external fixator in April, it was bigger,” Hughes said.

For each bump, there was pain but Hughes drive to enjoy a ride in the Texas cow-scattered countryside was even stronger.

“I took my meds, got on the bike and rode,” Hughes said.

Like Acosta, Hughes too enjoyed the chance for physical exertion during the Wallis ride.

Amazed at the number of riders, Hughes found satisfaction during his first long ride while being with others who shared his disability and were figuring out how to ride.

“I enjoyed being with people of like minds,” Hughes said. “The guys I ride with share a lot in common, both on the military side and the fact that we are all injured and learning a new way of cycling together.”

Hughes is currently a part of Operation Comfort and the Center for the Intrepid, which offers rehabilitation and occupational therapy for the military in San Antonio.

He volunteered to ride the recumbent bike as an option during his therapy. When his Taylor Spatial Frame is removed, Hughes plans to move to a regular mountain bike.

“I enjoyed the ride itself, that was the best part. It was awesome and all going to a good cause,” Hughes said.

“It keeps us active,” he said. “and it is in another sense of being able to do whatever we can do in which we don’t need anybody to support us to do cycling.”

Hughes journey to healing continues. He still hasn’t made it home to Colorado. He’s happy for life and continues to work toward acceptance of his injuries.

“When I finally had gotten to where I was around my family at Walter Reed, I felt winded and relaxed at the same time,” Hughes said. “I knew I finally wasn’t going to die. That gratitude that I hadn’t washed over me like the warmth of an adrenaline rush.

“I’d dealt with the medical certainties of my condition during the 14 hour flight from Germany. The acceptance of what my life was going to be like from those days on... that was what my life was like when I returned home.”

Even routine tasks are being learned again.

“My life was all about learning how to do everything, e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g, all over again without my leg and without the immediate use of my mangled leg,” he said. “My life was about learning to accept my sacrifice and learning to adjust to my new self image. To be entirely honest, I still haven’t adjusted to as much of all that as I would like to have by this point in the frame of things.”

Small successes as being able to wear a shoe for the first time are appreciated. “It was at one time kind of big and at the other kind of silly,” he said.

“It is another step forward,” Hughes said.

Husbands and wives

U.S. Air Force veteran Jason Ellis, 36, of Tampa, Fla., was wounded by a roadside improvised explosive device in 2003. In addition to losing the hearing in one ear, both of his knees have been replaced, and he underwent back fusion and a trial stimulator implanted in his back. Two more knee replacements are planned.

The Wallis Ride was Ellis’ second ride in as many months as he attended the Lt. Dan Weekend in Beaufort in September.

Discovering the recumbent cycles, which allow riders to sit reclined and use their hands for pedaling, are a blessing to Ellis, a former basketball player for Oklahoma State.

“It keeps him active, and he gets to meet new people and it helps to fight depression,” said his wife, Angelica, a registered nurse who helps stabilize the wounded veterans at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital in Tampa.

“It is heartbreaking to see these 19- to 20-year-olds come in,” Angelica said.

“They take it one of two ways,” she said of their severe injuries. “A lot of them feel they are lucky. Most of the guys you see say they would go back.”

Supporting wounded veterans

These vets are among more than 60,000 military service members who have returned home from the war on terror with severe injuries. But with the help of groups such as AMBUCS and the Independence Fund, these wounded warriors are finding the tools — robotic wheelchairs and special therapies and guidance — to continue pursuing independent, productive and satisfying lives.

By New Year’s Eve it is anticipated that almost all of those serving in Iraq and 10,000 in Afghanistan will be coming home with another 23,000 returning from Afghanistan in September. At least a third of those 72,000 are expected to suffer from PTSD.

The Independence Fund was founded by Steve Danyluk, a U.S. Marine Lt. Col. and Marine Corps active reservist who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. When he returned stateside, he was assigned to the Pentagon to assist severely wounded veterans. When he saw what was lacking, he started The Independence Fund, a nonprofit foundation to help the severely wounded veterans get the assistance they need to become independent. Since 2007, the fund has raised more than $1.5 million part of which brought about 700 wounded warriors and their caregivers to the two Lt. Dan Weekends and the five Wallis Rides. The Independence Fund has since purchased 20 iBOT wheelchairs ($25,000 retail cost), before Johnson & Johnson, the iBOT’s parent corporation ceased production due to lack of sales. The fund has also provided other tools such as adaptive sports equipment, specialized hand-crank bicycles and adaptive SCUBA gear to allow these vets to get back into regular physical activities. The fund has also assisted veterans in obtaining proven alternative therapies and helped place qualifying veterans in world class therapeutic programs at places like the renowned Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Ga., for injuries unique to this war and treatments not currently available within the DoD/VA Healthcare system. Other events that Independence Fund veterans have benefited from include the DVA Winter Sports Clinic in Aspen Colo., and the World Team Sports, 110-mile bicycle rally from Gettysburg to Washington D.C. In December, 2007, the Schlumberger Cycling Club in Houston Texas sponsored the first Independence Ride, which raised nearly $60,000. In October, the Schlumberger Cycling Club and ride partners, the ConocoPhillips Cycling Club and the Chevron Cycling Club, hosted the fifth annual Independence Ride in support of disabled veterans through the Independence Fund.

Danyluk is now coordinating Lt. Dan Weekend 3 on Sept. 13-17, 2012 in Beaufort.

The AMBUCS’s Veteran’s Initiative started in the fall of 2010 focused on adapting equipment especially for the veteran’s population. AMBUCS partnered with the Independence Fund to provide tricycles for the 14 veterans with traumatic brain injuries, along with amputees and paraplegics. For the first time many of the severely wounded vets took a spin around the 11-mile route around the Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station in the first annual Lt. Dan Ride in 2010. The AmTrykes were donated by the National AMBUCS and coordinated by the Little Red Dog Foundation’s AMBUCS chapter, founded by Anne Guthrie of Beaufort.

Local AMBUCS then began to identify more veterans who needed their cycles. Currently about 50 veterans have received AmTrykes.

The first Vet bike Ride was held at the Memphis Conference in the summer of 2011 and 22 riders receive tricycles sponsored by AMBUCS’ chapters.

Looking back... Fall 2011 AmTryke Road Show Stops

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:40:03 -0500

The AmTryke Road Show is a collection of events held throughout the year and across the country with the goal of creating awareness among therapy professionals of the AmTryke Therapeutic Tricycle Program. An AmTryke trailer full of equipment and adapted accessories is brought to therapy clinics, rehabs, children’s hospitals and VA’s. Each Road Show “stop” can include an in-service training and/or a bike day event. Click here to learn more about the AmTryke Road Show!

Here are just a few of the Road Show stops this past fall...

Illinois’ Pekin AMBUCS Holds Easter Seals In-Service

Greg Neaveill, Dennis Davison, and Debbie Davison assisted in the Annual In-Service Program at Easter Seals in September. Nine therapists experienced a hands-on class with over 15 AmTrykes and accessories at their disposal for the assessment of the needs of their clients. A big thanks to Gretchen Meyer from Easter Seals for coordinating, Joe Copeland for his priceless knowledge, Al Bedell from Bloomington, IL for his much-needed assistance AND truck to pull the AmTryke trailer owned and maintained by the Danville and Champaign AMBUCS Chapters. Thank you one and all for helping make this event so successful!

Educating Indy...

The goal for the Greater Indy Friends chapter was to show off AmTrykes in central Indiana and to educate folks on the positive ways these trykes can impact and change lives. In id-September the chapter put on a multiday, multi-venue Road Show to accomplish just that.

On Thursday and Friday, AMBUCS Executive Director Joe Copeland, Sue Haywood, and several dedicated Greater Indy members presented therapist training sessions at 4 different rehab facilities in the Indianapolis area. In addition, a neighborhood social was held for members and the community alike to see and learn about a trailer full of AmTrykes.

On that Saturday the team invaded the campus of University of Indianapolis where they offered yet another AmTryke training session for therapists and also for the PT/OT students and faculty. A handful of dedicated students offered their assistance as they got hands-on experience in fitting nearly 25 special Indy kids during the Bike Day event. To make the day even more special, the Greater Indy Friends presented 2 AmTrykes that day, to Kristy Niemeier and to Therese Farrell.

If you ask the chapter members why the 3-day event was so successful, they might say that therapists and members were educated and motivated, they got to work with some cool college students who will make a difference in the world, they gave away some AmTrykes, 4 new members joined or maybe just that they had the BEST fun working together to make it happen!

...And Meeting Jacob

In September, the Greater Indy Friends AMBUCS Chapter held a Bike Day at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana in Indianapolis, AMBUCS Executive Director Joe Copeland and the Greater Indy members met a new friend with an amazing spirit you can’t soon forget.

As the chapter members brought in the cool new adult AmTrykes for the therapist training session, Jacob Eller was having his therapy session. When he saw the AmTrykes, his face immediately lit up with interest. Greater Indy member Jennifer “Super-” Suba exclaimed, “Let’s put him on a bike!” Once riding, Jacob’s smile radiated throughout the entire workout room as he rode off on the new adult AmTryke hand cycle with Joe trying to keep up.

What the Greater Indy members discovered was that only 2 weeks prior, there had been a tragic car accident leaving him paralyzed from the waist down and instantly changing Jacob’s 21-year old life.

Jacob’s smile and spirit touched and inspired everyone there that day. Knowing that the accident will not hold this young man down for long, the Greater Indy Friends chapter is able to use a very special donation to have an AmTryke ready for Jacob when he is ready for it. Jacob’s joy in receiving it may match the joy AMBUCS feels in giving it!

What About Bob? Grant Writing 101

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:13:34 -0500

The latest news and valuable tips from our AmTryke Grant Coordinator, Bob Richard.

Need Help Creating & Using Your Chapter’s Budget? National Can Help

Budgets are crucial when preparing a grant. National AMBUCS now has an instruction budget guide available. It is an Excel spreadsheet with an instructional tutorial. If you are struggling with how to organize your budget check out this new resource by clicking here!

Danville receives $10,600 grant to fund AmTrykes for Adaptive PE Program

Illinois’ Danville AMBUCS Chapter recently received a grant for $10,600 to purchase fifteen AmTrykes for an Adaptive PE Class for Danville High School.

Ashley Clanton, the DHS Adaptive PE teacher came and spoke at a noon chapter meeting about how students with special needs were paired with students without disabilities during the adaptive PE class. Ashley explained that one of her challenges was to find inclusive physical activities for all the students. The members of the Danville chapter were more than happy to suggest a solution: AmTrykes!

Members of the Danville Chapter visited Ashley’s class to fit students for the proper AmTryke. Danville members had done their homework and they knew the Wheeler Foundation, a local private foundation, had a passion for helping children with disabilities in the Danville area. They invited a board member from the Wheeler Foundation to the fitting so the Foundation would have first hand knowledge of what the AmTryke was all about and how it would be incorporated into the adaptive PE class.

After the fitting, the grant request was prepared, submitted and the Wheeler Foundation provided the entire amount needed to implement the AmTryke Adaptive PE Program. Who is out their in your community that can help you accomplish your mission?

Huntsville Tennessee Valley Chapter Keeps Rolling On!

Members of the Huntsville Tennessee Valley have found the key to successful grant writing. Since the beginning of the AMBUC fiscal year on June 1, they have received $20,000 in grants for AmTrykes and a mobile evaluation trailer. This continues a pronominal previous year.

I am often asked if a chapter can go back more than once to a foundation with a request. The answer varies based on the foundation, but HTV has found that yes, in some cases you can go back and receive funding in another fiscal year.

Is your chapter missing the opportunity to fund your projects? Are there foundations in your area that are just waiting to help you make a difference in your community?

If you are ready to get started or if you have questions, don’t wait, call or email Bob Richard today! (217) 304-2238 / bobr@ambucs.org

Follow AMBUCS In The News

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:33:52 -0500

Danville AMBUCS Donates AmTrykes to Local High School Adaptive PE Class

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:57:23 -0500

**Update - Click Here to View the News-Gazette Article Covering Event

Last year when Ashley Clanton presented a program about her Danville High School Adaptive PE Class to members of Danville AMBUCS she did not realize that it would lead to AMBUCS donating 15 AmTryke therapeutic tricycles for the use in her class, but that is exactly what happened. In fact, it’s the first known Adaptive PE Class using AmTrykes in the nation.

Mrs. Clanton is a Physical Education teacher at Danville High School and three years ago she started an Adaptive PE Class, a class where special need students are paired with other students. Together, all the students participate in various activities.

After her presentation to AMBUCS, the idea of providing AmTrykes for use in her class was discussed. Danville AMBUCS applied for a grant to the Wheeler Foundation. The Wheeler Foundation funded the purchase of 15 AmTrykes and soon after they were ordered. Members and friends of AMBUCS assembled the AmTrykes and they were delivered. AmTrykes are all about mobility and now students with special needs have a new way of receiving their physical activity during class.

AMBUCS in cooperation with District 118 are purchasing a special lift to help transfer those students in support devices to their AmTryke.

A formal presentation of the AmTrykes will be conducted on Thursday, December 15, 2011.

For more information about the Danville AMBUCS Chapter, please visit: www.danvilleambucs.com

Sammons, Rider Donate $2 Million to OT Program at WMU

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:56:04 -0500

Raleigh Durham AMBUCS Honors Vets @ Heroes Crusade Bike Ride

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:09:39 -0500

Help Take 10 Riders Off National Wish List

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:50:06 -0400

The AmTryke National Wish List exists to ensure people with disabilities (of limited financial resources) are able to enjoy the fun and freedom of riding their own AmTryke. AMBUCS’s goal is to grant as many wishes a possible, but wishes are only filled as funding becomes available. The wait can be up to 18 months. People with physical and/or cognitive impairments are greatly limited in their participation in recreational and physical activities. Given the opportunity to be physically active, people with disabilities can demonstrate enhanced health and overall quality of life. The introduction of the AmTryke therapeutic tricycle helps strengthen muscles and improves motor skills, all while enhancing social relationships and providing an opportunity for families to participate together in a well-known recreational past time. Please join others in giving the gift of mobility and donate today!

I'm Ready to Make a Donation!

Mountain Metro AMBUCS Support Local Vet

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:42:07 -0400

New! Download AMBUCS Promotional Videos

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:19:05 -0400

Make Plans to Attend Upcoming Webinars!

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:36:24 -0400

National AMBUCS is proud to offer several informative webinars scheduled for Fall 2011.

Upcoming Webinars:

New Chapter Bootcamp

November 1st - December 13th

This six-week, web-based bootcamp series for our new chapters will run November 1st through December 13 (tuesday nights; skipping Thanksgiving weekend). This series will cover many topics that new chapters need to know, whether they know it or not. Each individual session will be posted for download afterwards.

To register, go to: www.ambucs.org/bootcamp

Grant Writing for Your Chapter's AmTryke Program

Wednesday, October 12th @ 7pm -OR- Tuesday, October 18th @ 2pm

(to register, click on the date you wish to attend)

Is your chapter wondering how to fund AmTrykes with grants? This session will take you through the basic information you need to begin the pursuit of grants. We will cover topics such as finding funding sources, grant announcement, program description, budgeting and grant reporting. AMBUCS’ Bob Richard will teach chapters the basics about grant writing and accessing his support for local chapter’s AmTryke® programs.

Preparing for National Visibility Month

Wednesday, December 14th - Time TBA

Although the impact of our mission has been felt since 1922, there are still many people in this country who are not quite familiar with who we are and what we do. Hoping the change that fact and strengthen our brand, AMBUCS members designate each February as AMBUCS Visibility Month, where they focus their efforts on gaining more exposure for all the work their chapter performs in the community. This session will provide instructions on how to prepare for and hold Visibility Month events.

To register, go to: www.ambucs.org/preparevisibility

Remembrance: Dr. Dewey D. Collins

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:17:15 -0400

Woodward News The Woodward News, Woodward, Okla. — Dr. Dewey D. Collins, 77 year old Woodward Chiropractor, died Monday, September 19, 2011 in Woodward. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 26, 2011 in the First Christian Church of Woodward. Visitation will be at the Billings Funeral Home on Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Monday, September 26, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A private family graveside will be held.

Dewey Don Collins was born on March 2, 1934 in Clovis, New Mexico to Dewey Thomas and Syble Lorene (Pettigrew) Collins. The family lived in several western states because of his dad’s work. The family moved to Clayton, New Mexico in 1951 where he attended high school and met his bride-to-be. Dewey received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree at the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. Dr. Collins then interned in the B.J. Palmer Chiropractic Clinic for a year under the direction of Dr. Palmer, earning the degree of Ph.C. (Philosopher of Chiropractic). Dr. Palmer, who was known as the Developer of Chiropractic, and Dewey became close friends during this time.

Dr. Collins was united in marriage to Alice Sanderson on November 8, 1954 in Davenport, Iowa. They were married in what was then known as the Smallest Chapel in the World and named,"A Little Bit O’Heaven". They made their first home in Davenport and in 1959 they moved to Woodward. Dr. Collins opened his practice in Woodward on March 10, 1959. He served the Woodward area for almost 50 years, retiring on August 1, 2008.

Dr. Collins was a long time member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where he served as Chalice Bearer, Acolyte Master and Layreader Trainer for many years. He enjoyed photography, playing the guitar and singing, especially for residents at local nursing homes. Dewey loved his family, his patients and AMBUCS. He had served AMBUCS for over 35 years. He joined the organization in 1976 and was Charter President of the largest club ever chartered at the time. In 1988 Dewey led a new club building team in their efforts to charter Woodward Mid-Day Chapter of AMBUCS, the first predominantly female chapter in the nation. The Woodward Mid-Day Chapter chartered in just six weeks with 86 members. He served AMBUCS in many capacities over the years, he was a Life Member, a Big Hatter, a Past President, Past District Governor, Regional Big Hat Chairman, and a William L. White member. His crowning achievement was serving as National Big Hat President from 1993-1994. His enthusiasm, dedication, passion and big smile will be missed by hundreds of AMBUCS all across the nation.

He is survived by his wife Alice Collins of the home; one daughter, Donna Jane "Doni" Chandler and her husband Jerry W.; four grandchildren, Trey Don Collins and wife Betty, Deanna Mae Chandler, Karen Elizabeth Chandler, Crystal Marie Chandler; three great-grandchildren, Seth Don, Cassey Elaine and Alison Treylynn Collins; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his son Dewey Don, Jr. "Dee" on January 8, 1998, his parents and his two brothers, Albert Dean and Danny Gale Collins.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodward Mid-Day AMBUCS AmTryke Fund with the funeral home accepting the contributions.

Remembrances may be shared online at www.billingsfuneralhomewoodward.com

2011 Adventure Amputee Camp Recap

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:21:58 -0400

AMBUCS staffers Joe Copeland, Dannell Copeland & Marianna Bryce were invited to attend the 2011 Adventure Amputee Camp held at the Nantahala Outdoor Center this past July. Despite a slightly soggy start to the morning, the campers were riding bikes in no time. The event was tons of fun and AMBUCS was so glad to be a part of the action

Thank You Letters

Camp Newsletter

Huntsville Vies for $10,000 in Pepsi Refresh September Challenge

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:34:55 -0400

CALLING ALL AMBUCS!

Voting is open for the September Pepsi Refresh Project! Vote online every day to help Huntsville TN Valley AMBUCS win $10,000 for AmTrykes for Veterans AND Kids: www.refresheverything.com/amtrykes

You can vote three ways daily: Facebook, a Pepsi Account and also by "TEXT A VOTE" [Text* 108448 to Pepsi (73774) from your cell phone].

Don’t wait, vote now! And please ask your family, friends, social network groups, and co-workers for their help too!

Wish List Club - Join Today for $1/day!

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:21:37 -0400

What does the gift of mobility cost?

A single dollar doesn't buy what it once could. These days, it might buy a soda or a candy bar but, believe it or not, a single dollar can still make a difference. Through the AMBUCS Wish List Club, you can take that dollar and help provide the gift of mobility. Join others across the country in making a difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities. Your donation will help provide annual funding for the purchase of AmTrykes for those on the National Wish List. Your donation of just one dollar a day allows AMBUCS to be one step closer to meeting all of our many deserving Wish List requests.

Our Wish Lish Club members have helped several kids come off of the National Wish List, but has only been a drop in the bucket towards the 600+ kids currently waiting for their Trykes.

Ready to Help? Join today!

Payment Options: Pledge full amount ($365) or set up credit card payments (initial $5 and $30 for the next 12 months). Pay online above or send check to: AMBUCS, PO Box 5127, High Point, NC 27262

Wish List Club Membership Benefits:

Special Lapel Pin
Recognition at AMBUCS National Conference
Listed in Fall Issue of AMBUCS Magazine
Giving the gift of mobility & independence!

What is the AmTryke National Wish List?

The AmTryke National Wish List exists to ensure people with disabilities (of limited financial resources) are able to enjoy the fun and freedom of riding their own AmTryke. People with physical and/or cognitive impairments are greatly limited in their participation in recreational and physical activities. Given the opportunity to be physically active, people with disabilities can demonstrate enhanced health and overall quality of life. The introduction of the AmTryke therapeutic tricycle helps strengthen muscles and improves motor skills, all while enhancing social relationships and providing an opportunity for families to participate together in a well-known recreational past time. AMBUCS’s goal is to grant as many wishes as possible, but wishes are only filled as funding becomes available and the wait can be up to 18 months. We want to do better and you can help us grant wishes through a donation of just one dollar a day. Please join others in giving the gift of mobility and become a member of the AMBUCS Wish List Club today!

AMBUCS is a 501 (c) (3) organization and all gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

2011 Scholarship Winners Announced!

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:57:46 -0400

2011 AMBUCS Therapists Education Session - Memphis

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:51:31 -0400

Welcome!

We invite you to be our guest for our Therapy Education Sessions to held be at the Marriott Memphis Downtown on Friday-Saturday, July 22-23, 2011. Take your choice of attending both days or simply register for individual sessions to better accommodate your schedule.

These sessions are available AT NO COST TO YOU and are approved to count towards your TPTA continuing education credits. The only cost is getting to and staying in Memphis for an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Memphis is a magical city known for its music, food and entertainment options. We hope you will join us!

Education Session Schedule:

Friday, July 22nd

1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

“FIT for LIFE - Encouraging Children of All Abilities” Presenter: Cindy Miles, PT, MEd, PCS
Fitness Guidelines & Current Research for a Lifespan Fitness Approach for Children of All Abilities: “Encouraging Children to Participate in Fitness & Sports In Any Setting"
Working with the Early Childhood aged clients, how does it all fit? Presenter: Sue Haywood, PT
Learn how to evaluate and successfully fit smaller clients with limited support of posture. Review equipment that is available and adaptable for the smaller client, including options on how to adjust and fit the client with poor trunk and head support.

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Special Projects for Special Diagnoses Presenter: Fred Sammons, OT
Session devoted to specialized projects designed to address riders with varying diagnoses. Sammons will present his pioneering work on Brachial Plexus adapted tricycles, his new extra, extra small hand-foot combination for low tone riders, and a new experimental configuration for children with hemiplegia.
SPINZONE: A Pediatric Adaptive Riding Equipment Loan Program Model Presenters: Noel Marie Spina, PT, PCS and Amy M. Williams, PT, DPT
SPINZONE is an innovative pediatric adaptive riding equipment loan program designed to support fitness and mobility for children with special needs. This program makes equipment accessible and available to children, their families, community programs, and schools.

Saturday, July 23rd

8:00 PM - 12:00 PM

AmTryke Celebration: Special Experiential Learning Opportunity
Attending therapists will be grouped into teams led by a PT or OT. Team leaders will engage members with discussions about diagnosis and appropriate solutions.
- On Saturday morning, attendees are encouraged to attend our AmTryke Celebration Event! All of the events stage from the Main Street entrance of the Downtown Marriott Hotel. Saturday morning will begin with our traditional Trek for Trykes Walk-a-Thon at 8am sharp followed by the first annual Veteran’s Ride at 9am. The Ride is a new event that will provide fifteen-twenty vets with brand new AmTrykes®. Lastly, we we hold the AmTryke® Rodeo at 10am. At least forty scheduled riders will receive their brand new AmTrykes®, which will provide lots of fitting and evaluation practice.

2:00 PM - 3:15 PM

“FIT for LIFE - Encouraging Children of All Abilities” Presenter: Cindy Miles, PT, MEd, PCS
Fitness Guidelines & Current Research for a Lifespan Fitness Approach for Children of All Abilities: “Encouraging Children to Participate in Fitness & Sports In Any Setting"
SPINZONE: A Pediatric Adaptive Riding Equipment Loan Program Model Presenters: Noel Marie Spina, PT, PCS and Amy M. Williams, PT, DPT
SPINZONE is an innovative pediatric adaptive riding equipment loan program designed to support fitness and mobility for children with special needs. This program makes equipment accessible and available to children, their families, community programs, and schools.

3:30 PM - 4:45 PM

Special Projects for Special Diagnoses Presenter: Fred Sammons, OT
Session devoted to specialized projects designed to address riders with varying diagnoses. Sammons will present his pioneering work on Brachial Plexus adapted tricycles, his new extra, extra small hand-foot combination for low tone riders, and a new experimental configuration for children with hemiplegia.
Working with the Early Childhood aged clients, how does it all fit? Presenter: Sue Haywood, PT
Learn how to evaluate and successfully fit smaller clients with limited support of posture. Review equipment that is available and adaptable for the smaller client, including options on how to adjust and fit the client with poor trunk and head support.