“Cheeky is the main thing that comes to mind when I think of Hudson,” said mum, Ashlea.
Four-year-old Hudson is an adventurous boy who is his happiest when he’s out and about, riding at the skatepark and hanging out at the beach with his family.
At Hudson’s 12-week scan, Ashlea had learnt that Hudson would be born with a congenital malformation of his upper left limb which would affect his balance.
Hudson never let his disability stand in the way of pursuing his goals, one of which was to ride a bike and scooter. It’s one of the reasons why Ashlea named Hudson’s left arm, “lucky fin”, after Nemo’s shorter right fin which he used to “just keep swimming”.
As Hudson grew, it became increasingly difficult for him to balance with his shorter arm and his condition was beginning to affect his posture and safety.
When Ashlea heard about TAD from Hudson’s Occupational Therapist, she knew she had finally found a solution that would help Hudson achieve his dream of riding a bike or scooter that would support his limb difference. TAD volunteer, John, was able to fit Hudson’s bike and scooter with an extendable handle bar which would enable Hudson to reach the handlebar easily and ride comfortably. It is also detachable and adjustable so that it can be used on other bikes or scooters once he outgrows his current ones.
Ashlea says it was such a joy seeing how much the handlebars were helping Hudson in so many ways. “His posture, alignment and balance had improved so much. His confidence on his bike has grown too! He really loves it!” says Ashlea.
With Hudson’s new handlebars, he can now go on his bike rides with his older cousins and head down to the local skatepark with his mum where he rides with the other kids. “He’s proud of his handlebars. He now gets more attention because his bike looks different. He thinks it’s pretty cool!” says Ashlea.
Ashlea praised John’s commitment to perfecting the handlebars for Hudson. “John worked on it over Christmas and got it back to us in a week or two. He’s amazing!”, says Ashlea. When asked what she would say to families looking for a solution for their child’s unique needs, Ashlea says TAD is the place to go. “TAD has been amazing. Nothing is ever too much to ask for. They’re so helpful and dedicated to helping your child achieve their dreams”.
