Sofia was born with spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when a baby's spine and spinal cord do not develop or close properly during the early stages of pregnancy. With a diagnosis like this one, her parents were not always sure if Sofia would be able to do the same things as other children, riding a bike being one of them. 

Sofia’s family immigrated to Canada from Argentina in 2023, and were directed to ErinoakKids for program supports to help Sofia thrive here in Canada. The first program she enrolled in was Heroes Circle karate, a martial arts program for ErinoakKids clients 6 and over. Anna, Sofia’s mom, was not sure if Sofia was going to like karate, or if she was going to succeed in the classes. As Sofia is resilient, positive and driven, she was open to learning a new skill, and took to karate and its movements right away. The classes helped her with her balance and positioning.  

Sofia and her family learned about the iCan Bike program at ErinoakKids earlier in the year, and, as Sofia has had success in the past with riding a bike, she was excited to learn to ride more independently. Over the five days in the iCan Bike program, with the help of our expert staff and specially adapted bikes that were provided, Sofia learned how to stay balanced on a bike, ride without training wheels or other supports and start without needing a push from her camp counselors (or her mom and dad!)

By the end of the program, Sofia was going so fast, her parents could not believe their eyes. They just had to share this milestone, one that many parents take for granted, with family members. Within minutes of snapping shots and recording Sofia on a bike, they sent the photos and videos to her grandparents back in Argentina. They were so proud to see Sofia not only thriving in her new life in Canada, but riding a bike independently, and enjoying it so much.  

Riding a bike instills more confidence in children and youth than you may know. Supporting the iCan Bike program this holiday season gives children and youth just like Sofia a chance to hone their skills, get exercise, and feel good about themselves while experiencing the freedom of being on a bike.