Most 7-year-olds take for granted the ability to ride a bike. But for Evan Bartlett of Pickens, the possibility was only a dream until the members of East Pickens Baptist Church stepped forward to make it a reality.
Seven-year-old Evan Bartlett takes his new bicycle for a spin.Evan’s father, Brian, said his son has an unidentified nerve disease that prevents his nerves from being able to send messages to his muscles, which keeps him confined to a wheel chair. Evan also has severe scoliosis that requires surgery about every six months, has a feeding tube and tracheotomy and is on a ventilator 24 hours a day.
Recently, Brian’s wife Emily became aware of a Facebook contest in which the prize was a special therapy bicycle valued at more than $2,000. She put out the word to church members to vote for Evan so that he would win the bike.
“We just kind of beat the drum a little bit on Facebook,” said their pastor, Jamie Duncan.
But Duncan said he was approached by some church members who suggested they just buy the bike. Word spread, and before they knew it, they had donations equaling twice what they needed to purchase the bike. With some effort, they were able to get the specially designed bike in about a week and surprised the family by presenting it to them on Mother’s Day as well as the extra money donated.
“I said, ‘Let’s not worry about the contest. Let’s just give you the bike.’ It was pretty cool. Tears were flowing,” Duncan said. “She was kind of representative of all moms that day. We wanted to honor all moms and the sacrifices they make.”
Duncan said the family has been through many difficult times since Evan was born, but they have stayed strong in their faith. He said Emily is dedicated to taking care of her son. The bike carries Evan’s medical equipment and helps to spur muscle development, giving him some independence.
“Emily has a servant’s heart. It’s just a real good example of the sacrifices moms make,” he said. “We just really want to encourage this family, encourage the testimony that they are living out.”
Brian said when his son was presented the bike, “he let out a little holler.”
He said Evan is thrilled with the bike.
“He loves it, he asks to go for a ride every day,” Brian said. “Because of his nerve disorder, he is not able to stand. On the bike, he’s strong enough to pedal the bike on flat ground.”
While the bike has been a blessing to the family, Brian said the gift they were given on Mother’s Day runs much, much deeper.
“Obviously, we were very grateful and thankful. We rely heavily on prayers. We knew people were praying for him before, but this is just evidence of that support,” he said. “The bike has been a huge encouragement, but also just the support.”