New Nonprofit Aims To Provide Special Trykes For Special Havasu Kids

By Janet Cruz

Getting around a playground, or finding ways to ride a bike can be a challenge for many families with a child with a disability, but one new nonprofit in Lake Havasu City, is making it easier by raising funds for special tricycles for kids who want to keep up with their peers during playtime.

“Building Bridges in Lake Havasu Chapter Of National AMBUCS Inc, will provide adaptive tricycles to help bring more mobility for kids through fundraising and sponsorships,” said AMBUCS Building Bridges Lake Havasu City Chapter, Samantha Zasadil.

AMBUCS is a national 501C3 nonprofit organization with chapters around the country that work to inspire mobility and independence to those with disabilities. The organization operates Amtryke LLC, an adaptive tricycle company that builds customizable tricycles. As for the chapter in Lake Havasu City, it began after mom and chapter President Samantha Zasadil saw a need for more accessible options for her own child.

Talia Zasadil squeals with happiness as Michael Fellinger and Kristal Blundell make adjustments to her Tryke. Photo courtesy Samantha Zasadil

An AmTryke is a special adaptive tricycle that is customized to fit any child of any disability. Something that can be hard to find at any store or bike shop. With a special adaptive AMTryke, kids can be fitted into one that addresses their needs, something Zasadil wanted to bring to Lake Havasu City families.

“This all started when we wanted to find a more accessible playground and have my daughter Talia who is 6, and in a wheelchair along with other kids be included,” said Zasadil.

“I love the new accessible swings at Rotary Park and it is a great start in the right direction, I still wanted to find more mobility opportunities for my daughter and other families in town and that is when I got connected to the President of the National AMBUCS organization Donna Carlton Vish, and soon the local Lake Havasu chapter got started,” Zasadil said.

The AMBUCS Building Bridges Lake Havasu Chapter is operated by Zasadil and local Havasu parent Esther Hutson, who serves as Vice President of the Havasu Chapter.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“As a special needs mom myself, I am excited to see movement in the right direction for the special needs community,” said Esther Hutson. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between this community right here by providing resources and education,” Hutson said.

The Lake Havasu chapter recently celebrated its ribbon cutting early this month alongside Mayor Cal Sheehy and other supporters of the all abilities community. The chapter has many more plans in the works for the non profit.

“I can’t wait to see what the chapter will do,” said Hutson. “I am super excited to help our community.”

“As a parent navigating my child’s life and care, I realize we are not the only family in town who can benefit from this. Building Bridges is about connecting your community for the betterment of those families we can reach and connect with.” Zasadil said.

For more information on the local nonprofit, you may email HavasuAmbucs@gmail.com or visit their social media page Building Bridges in Lake Havasu Chapter Of National AMBUCS Inc.