Maranda recieved a new adapted bike thanks to the Easterseals UCP Healthy Living Grant provided by the NC Department of Health and Human Services. The new bike will help her stay healthy, active and pursue her dream.
Maranda’s dream is to ride her adapted bike on the Trail of Tears. Since Maranda is of Cherokee Native American descent, she wants to pay homage to her ancestors by riding the Trail of Tears. She is not able to ride a typical bike due to a car accident five years ago that resulted in a serious spinal cord injury. Maranda knew this would be too difficult to do in her wheelchair so she sought out support for an adapted bike.
One lead led her to another and she ended up applying for the Easterseals UCP grant and her wish came true.
“It was a big blessing to get this bike! I have a different life now and I’m happy,” says Maranda.
She’s awaiting special plates for the bike and for her fractured foot to heal from another injury. In the fall, she hopes to start training for her own mission that she plans to call the “Trail of Love.” Maranda, who is 36 years old and has a nine-year-old daughter, intends to rally friends and supporters to join her by bike for the 950 mile memorial trek in September 2021.
Maranda said, “My faith is making me do this. My motto is do, be and go!” She’s grateful to Easterseals UCP for changing her life for the positive. Learn more about Easterseals UCP’s Assistive Technology.
About Easterseals UCP
Easterseals UCP North Carolina & Virginia is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability and behavioral health services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,300 member team provides more than 9 million hours of meaningful support to 22,000 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home and community locations.
