Posted on December 10, 2020
Kyle's love for Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports moves donors to raise $300,000
The COVID-19 pandemic did little to deter supporters of Mary Free Bed from celebrating its mission to restore hope and freedom. While “Thrive,” the Foundation’s annual gala, looked a little different this year, the result was the same.
Instead of one large event attended by hundreds of people, the Foundation offered opportunities for sponsors to host smaller parties and support Mary Free Bed Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports, a program funded 95% by philanthropy. And they rose to the occasion, raising $300,000.
Forty small gatherings were hosted in private homes and businesses, including as far away as Florida. The Foundation supplied food and favors to help make each event a festive one.
“The support was amazing,” said Jocelyn Dettloff, the Foundation’s Annual Fund director.
A $45,000 challenge match, thanks to the generosity of CareLinc, Miller Johnson Attorneys and an anonymous donor, also was met.
Proceeds from the seventh annual event will support Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports, which offers enriching classes, clinics and competitive teams for people of all ages and abilities. One of the largest programs of its kind in the United States, WAS served more than 2,800 children and adults last year, including WAS athlete Kyle Friar.
Kyle’s Story
The 16-year-old from Grand Rapids was diagnosed shortly after he was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic neuromuscular disease. His older brother, Kevin, had it, too. Kevin lost his battle in 2018 at the age of 18.
Kyle and his parents, Mike and DeAnne, shared their family’s story in a video viewed by party attendees.
“We’re embracing what’s in our lives and making the most of every day,” Mike said. “Kyle doesn’t feel like, just because he has this disease, he has to sit and home and do nothing. He goes out and lives life.”
That includes participating in activities offered by Mary Free Bed’s Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports Program. His favorite? Playing power soccer.
“It has a lot of thrill – it’s super-fast,” Kyle said. “It can be super competitive.”
Watching Kyle play makes his parents beam with pride.
“It gives me an overwhelming sense of joy to witness him use his athletic ability, be a leader in sports and watch how he lights up when he scores a goal,” DeAnne said in the video message, asking viewers to “consider the effect sports have had on your life and the lives of your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews. The fun, competition and bonds of friendship experienced …”
“Because of Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports, athletes with physical disabilities have the same experiences, and so much more,” she said. “Some young athletes can even obtain an athletic scholarship to college and play an adaptive sport. All because they had the opportunity to take part in sports through Mary Free Bed.”
The video also featured a message from Mary Free Bed CEO Kent Riddle and performances by WOOD-TV personality Jordan Carson and pianist Zach Henderson.
“Each year we select a program to feature at Thrive, and we selected WAS because it has such a big impact on the lives of our athletes and their families,” Jocelyn said. “In a time of isolation and distancing, Kyle’s powerful story reminds us that so much of what we love about sports takes place off the court and field.”
If you’re interested in making a donation to Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports, please visit maryfreebed.com/foundation.
