Yuma girl gets custom bike at spina bifida rally

When 17-year-old Yuma resident Raquell Dominguez sat on her very own bicycle, her life literally changed.

"Riding a bike used to be so difficult for me - I just couldn't do it. Now I'll be able to get outside and ride my bike every day."

Dominguez was one of 24 patients at the Children's Rehabilitative Services (CRS) at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center to receive a customized bicycle at the seventh annual Spina Bifida Bike Rally in Chandler earlier this month.

The rally, held at Chandler Regional Medical Center, presented customized bikes to patients with spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when the spine fails to close properly during the first months of pregnancy.

Because people with spina bifida have inefficient mobility, this is the first time many of the patients have ridden a bike.

Dominguez, along with the other CRS patients, received a bike specifically retrofitted to accommodate her individual needs. Each bike costs between $1,200 and $1,500, and each recipient was given the opportunity to choose the color of his or her bike and receive a helmet. Dominguez chose a royal blue bike.

But more importantly, her three-wheel bike has a custom seat that allows her to operate hand pedals. Previously, her condition prevented her from sitting on a standard seat and pedaling with her feet.

"I was so happy when I got the bike," Dominguez said. "I've been waiting for a bike for so long, it seemed like forever."

Now Dominguez enjoys riding every day and can participate with family on bike rides around town.

"I go riding with my nephews now, instead of just watching them play. I've been riding so much, it's just awesome to be able to go riding with everybody instead of just sitting there watching them have fun."

The bikes were purchased and donated by volunteers at Chandler Regional Medical Center, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, CVS Pharmacy, the East Valley National Charity League and individual donors.

“Having our patients receive custom-made bikes will improve their quality of life,” said Jessica Bryson, child life specialist at St. Joseph’s. “The bikes will allow them to enjoy a new sense of mobility and freedom.”

Dominguez agreed, adding, "I'm just so happy now!"

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Stefani Guerrero Soucy can be reached at ssoucy@yumasun.com or 539-6857.