Karina Brunson and Adam Orduna
25 minutes ago
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Some Kansas kids have an alternative means of transportation thanks to some Wichita State University and High School students.
GoBabyGo brings together engineering and physical therapy students from Wichita State University to build the rides, and over the past eight years, they’ve provided custom rides for more than 100 children.
Organizers say it’s a great way to give back to the community and help those in need.
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“A lot of times, kids may have received services but never had the opportunity to give back, so this gives them an opportunity. It’s really important for them to feel needed and valued, and that’s part of the process of serving these kids through GoBabyGo,” said Samantha Corcoran, associate engineering educator with GoBabyGo.
The program partnered with Envision to create customized ride-on toy cars for three children with disabilities, each adapted to their disability.
Friday was delivery day.
Dande Weisbeck Roy, 2 1/2 years old, has spina bifida, a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly, and normally travels around in a wheelchair but will now be driven around in a modified pink jeep.
“This is just another way for her to join in and catch up with kids her age because she can walk pretty fast in her wheelchair, but it also helps her get around more,” said Elian Weisbeck, Dande’s mother.
GoBabyGo holds multiple build sessions throughout the year, with the goal of building five to eight cars per session, and Corcoran says there’s nothing quite like delivery day.
“Delivery day is the most exciting part because we get to see the reaction of our little customers to be their own driver instead of relying on others to get around,” Corcoran said.
Two more kids also got to ride in the new car for the first time.
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As for Dande’s future…
“Probably just continuing with physical therapy. We’re doing quite a lot and trying to get her to places she can go. Wichita has a few parks and a bunch of other stuff. We try to take you everywhere and get you involved in stuff. It’ll be fun to take this to different places,” Elian said.
The cars range in price from $400 to $700 depending on customization and are paid for through donations and provided free of charge to families.