Manhattan Makes Mom's Handicapped Bike Dream Happen

MANHATTAN, IL — Shannon Crapia has her hands full.

It's more than just being a mom of five. The Manhattan woman says it can be even more overwhelming to be the mom of four, and one special needs child. Simple things—like a family bike ride—become difficult, if not impossible.

The day she posted about a $6,000 wheelchair bike for her 14-year-old son Ian, she had been daydreaming about one day pedaling alongside her kids and husband. Ian suffers from a seizure condition that renders him unable to pedal a bicycle, making that dream seemingly always out of reach.

Neighbor Carrie Mitcheff saw Crapia's post, and considered it a challenge.

"I thought to myself, that's easy!" Mitcheff said. "Having a bike is definitely something people take for granted ... There are definitely enough good people in the world that they will help this family get this bike."

Ian's Story

Ian had his first seizure at 18 months old. Soon after, he lost basic skills such as walking and talking. They tried medications and surgery—he went under the knife 15 times. Nothing seemed to help. He was diagnosed with intractable epilepsy, a disorder characterized by seizures that cannot be treated with medication.

At a younger age, he suffered 200 seizures a day; this summer he experienced 57 on his worst day.

"We've tried everything," Crapia said. "We've even tried medical marijuana. We’re not able to help his seizures."

While Ian has regained his ability to walk, he never resumed speaking. His family relies on an innate knowledge of his everyday needs and wants, as well as tap-to-talk, a tool that enables him to select visual representations to communicate with those around him. Crapia's days are spent interpreting his needs, as well as tending to her other children, 1-year-old Michael, 4-year-old Bernadette, 5-year-old Luke, and 8-year-old Anna.

It can all get a little overwhelming, and sometimes it can take a village.

In Steps Manhattan

Mitcheff decided to do whatever it took to get Ian that bike. She stirred up fundraiser efforts, including a GoFundMe on behalf of the family. She organized another at her home decor store The Rustic Barn, with both Mitcheff and local photographer Shannon McKeever both chipping in proceeds from shopping and back-to-school photos taken at the store.

And the best part? Crapias had no idea.

"Before I even knew the page was started, there was already $1,000 in there," she said.

The support kept coming and then a second idea popped up. Ian's consistent needs often require Crapias to be near him at all times, often dictating that she "be in two or three places at once."

Mitcheff and local business Pizza 4 U decided to raise additional funds for an in-home camera system. The camera feeds stream to Crapia's phone, allowing her to move about the house while also monitoring Ian.

"It's already been super-helpful," she said. "I can be outside, and he can still be safe and comfortable. It has made me more available to everyone."

The Biggest Bike Ride

Mitcheff decided to orchestrate a town gathering to deliver the bike to Ian, but his wasn't the only bike there. People loaded theirs up into trucks and rode over from all around the neighborhood to be there.

"Everyone went on a bike ride with him—as many people as we could get," Mithceff said. "Any of our neighbors that were home came out."

The community spirit lifted those of Crapia and her husband Daniel.

"We just felt greatly supported, really loved and supported like never before," Crapia said. "The world of special needs can get very lonely, very isolating. We really felt surrounded by our community."

Mitcheff called the local response inspiring, but not at all unusual for her tight-knit community.

"It meant a lot to me to see how everybody came together to help somebody in the community," she said, "and to see how happy Ian was on his bike ride."

Crapia said the town's generosity moved her to tears.

"I’d like everyone to know how grateful we are," she said. "It’s given us some great family memories. I can’t wait until we can use the bike more. There’s not many hobbies that we can have together, and this is a great one."

Photos provided by Carrie Mitcheff and Shannon Crapia