Submitted by Healing Rides
In 2012, Barbara Brown was diagnosed with cancer and began surgery and treatments, which left her very weak and unable to do the things she was used to doing. She loved to hike, ride bikes, and garden, but even walking to the end of her sidewalk was too much for her to do without help. Barb’s mood soon began to fall. This was very difficult for her, but she soon realized that she was not alone. There are many people who feel like prisoners in their own homes. This perceived entrapment may be due to temporary or permanent disabilities, such as physical or mental illness or simply growing too old to get out and enjoy the outdoors any more.
After she finished her treatments and regained her strength, she discovered a wonderful way for anyone to get out and enjoy the outdoors on a beautiful day. It is called Healing Rides.
Healing Rides uses a specially designed bike chair driven by well-trained volunteers to enable our guests to get out and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. Our guests and volunteers gently ride down the Constitution Trail between Empire Street and Grandview and back again. Our route is on the shaded part of the trail, and, in our opinion, the most beautiful part of the trail. It has become much more than just a bike ride; it is a very special time of shared life between our guests and volunteers in God’s creation.
Healing Rides has partnered with Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomington to develop this free community service for the elderly and disabled. We are deeply grateful for many generous donors who purchased two bike chairs and for our volunteers with hearts to serve their community. They served 80 guests from May 31, 2015 through the end of September 2015 and hope to serve many more this season. We will begin rides sometime in May 2016, depending upon the weather.
For more information about Healing Rides, go to their website: www.HealingRides.com. If you would like to be one of their guests, or you know someone who would like to get out and enjoy an hour of fresh air and sunshine, please call and make an appointment. Someone will be glad to help you Monday – Friday from 8am – 4pm. Just call Wesley UMC at 309-827-8046.
Photo courtesy of Healing Rides