A SPECIAL ORDER A Community Grants The Wish Of A Young Boy
Reported by: Katy Brown
Videographer: Bill Oldani
Web Producer: Heath Harrison
Reported: Feb. 24, 2013 5:23 PM EST
Updated: Feb. 24, 2013 8:28 PM EST
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Kanawha City
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
At 8 years old, Daniel Priddy was almost speechless when he laid his eyes on the first bike he has ever owned.
"Is that mine?" asked the new bike owner.
And those who made it happen were filled with joy.
"There's nothing better than the thrill of the first bike you have," said family friend, Richard Eichberger, "It's just an awesome feeling to think that we can be a part of that for Daniel. It's just incredible."
It took a lot of people to make Daniel's dream of riding a bike a reality because he takes on life a little differently than most people.
Daniel, who's from Red House in Putnam County, was born without legs, shorter arms, and slightly different hands.
But that's never stopped him from reaching his goals and overcoming obstacles everyday.
And when it came to wanting to ride a bike, it was a whole new and expensive challenge.
"We can't afford to get him one and these nice people helped us out real good," said his father, Roger.
"We try to teach Daniel that he can do everything, just about everything every other kids can do," said Daniel's mother, Janie, "But when it came to riding a bicycle, it was kind of, there's really no well that he can ride a bicycle."
Two church congregations found out about Daniel and his dream of riding a bike and decided to help the Priddys.
Together, Wade and Emma chapels raise about $2,400 for the bike.
And with the help of Charleston Bike Shop in Kanawha City, they were able to special order Daniel's own bike.
"As much as it was his dream, it was my dream and the dream of a lot of other people to see him enjoy something that so many of us take for granted," said Pastor Wayne Hooper.
And as the avid camper he his, Daniel looks forward to riding his bike with fellow campers and racing his older sister, Katelynn, who says she has been waiting and is more than ready for the challenge.
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