MANCHESTER – The township police department is encouraging residents to unite behind an 11-year-old township boy competing for an adaptive bicycle through a national giveaway program.
Miles Zimerla was born at 26 weeks and faced long odds of survival. Now 11, he lives with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder, chronic lung disease and is blind and nonverbal. He receives nutrition through a feeding tube and has undergone multiple surgeries to address hip dysplasia and ankle conditions.
Despite significant medical challenges, those who know Miles describe him as a joyful child who enjoys spending time outdoors with his siblings. However, his current wheelchair makes it difficult to navigate sand, grass and other uneven surfaces, limiting family outings to places like parks and beaches.
An adaptive jogging bike would allow Miles to safely explore the outdoors with his family and expand his mobility beyond paved areas.
Miles is participating in the Great Bike Giveaway, a program that awards adaptive bicycles to children with special needs. He can secure the bike in one of three ways: by receiving the most votes in his category, being selected in a random drawing within his category or raising enough donations to cover the cost of the bike.
The specialized bike he needs costs about $6,400.
Supporters can cast a vote online at greatbikegiveaway.com/MilesZimerla. Voting is open through March 18.
Police officials said community backing could make a meaningful difference for Miles and his family as they work to give him greater access to the activities he enjoys most.
