Published Saturday, May 29, 2010
Suzy Royal's bicycle arrives
The Newnan Times-Herald
"Wow!" Suzy Royal exclaimed. "It's here."
For 8-year-old Suzy Royal, a bicycle means fun -- and freedom. Because Suzy has cerebral palsy, riding a regular bike is not an option for her.
Donations from friends and family to My First Bike, a charity for people who need modified bicycles, poured in earlier this year. After the $4,000 was received, other donations went to help fund bikes for others through My First Bike.
Money for three regular bicycles also was given to a ministry in Zambia through an effort spearheaded by the Royal's church, First United Methodist Church of Newnan.
On Thursday afternoon, Curtis Henry of Cannon Cyclery in Woodstock drove to Newnan with Suzy's shiny bike in the back of a sport utility vehicle.
The bike is designed to give Suzy years of enjoyment. Henry said it can be modified as the years pass so that she can use it well into adulthood.
The bike also came with several specifications to suit the fancy of its owner. "Is it yellow?" Beth Royal, Suzy's mother, asked as Henry opened the back of the SUV.
David Royal took a look and told his wife, "It's very yellow, and it's got some orange on it." The color scheme was Suzy's choice. The handlebars also have a bell -- a requirement for the plucky youngster.
The bike has three wheels and a few other modifications to help Suzy ride a bike while dealing with balance issues.
The bicycle was made in Winnipeg, Canada. Henry adjusted the bike on site and explained to David Royal how to make minor adjustments. The bike comes with tools to keep it in tip-top shape.
Henry watched the 8-year-old sail across the parking area at her home on Reese Street near downtown Newnan. "She's doing great on it," he said.
In addition to Suzy's parents and her twin sister, Mimi, Suzy had quite an audience for her bicycling debut. Members of the Reese's Pieces -- neighbors who are close to Suzy and Mimi in age -- and their parents gathered to see the delivery and the first round of riding.
Everyone also enjoyed Beth Royal's homemade chocolate chip cookies -- Mimi and Suzy insist they are the best anywhere -- and pink lemonade.
"It's great," Suzy said when she slowed down enough to talk to everyone.
Cannon Cyclery works closely with My First Bike, and Henry enjoys meeting with families and making deliveries. "We've delivered three bikes so far," he said. "It's really cool."
Suzy and Mimi Royal were born prematurely and spent several weeks in the hospital just after they were born. This week the girls are excited about finishing another year at Atkinson Elementary School -- and looking forward to a summer with bike rides and fun times with the other Reese's Pieces.
Later this summer, Suzy is scheduled for surgery -- for femoral derotation osteomies on both legs. The surgery, which will help straighten her legs, will take place at Shriner's Hospital in Greenville, S.C.
Once she gets the casts off, Suzy will be up and walking in just a couple of days. "The bike will be great before and after," Beth Royal said.
"Wonderful" was Suzy Royal's one-word description for her bike. "This," she said, "is what I've been waiting for."
