Children eating candy in Ecuador
Emmo was first introduced to the Timmy Foundation about six years ago. In 1999 Emerson met Dr. Chuck Deitzen. Dr. Chuck, as we soon learned to call him, helped Emerson with his cerebral palsy by evaluating his needs and ordering braces, therapy and medicines as necessary. Emerson studied German at high school and he wanted to go on a student exchange with his class. For a fee, students in his class were going to go live with a student in Germany for three weeks; then a few months later the German students were to come to the U.S. to stay with the U.S. families for three weeks. Emerson applied to go but because of his physical disabilities, no family in Germany would take him. We happened to be talking with Dr. Chuck right after finding out about this and Dr. Chuck told Emerson that what he really needed to do was go with him to Ecuador to help others. That was how we learned about the Timmy Foundation.
At the age of 16, Emerson traveled with Dr. Chuck and numerous other volunteers down to Quito, Ecuador. It was a life-changing experience for Emerson.
After returning to the U.S., Emerson was asked if he would like to become a member of the foundation’s board of directors and Emerson jumped at the idea. He remained on the board until he graduated from high school.
Two years later, our whole family went with Emerson on a return visit to Quito. We helped to build a couple homes, assisted with a clinic and worked at a day-care center. We also toured the area and climbed on a HUGE mountain. It was a very rewarding experience.
About a year ago, Emmo wanted to get a new bike. He can't ride a regular 2-wheeler so he started looking at recumbant trikes. They are very expensive. Emmo did not want to spend that kind of money just on himself to have some fun. He wanted it to go to something good. He and Jim started talking about riding it for a good cause -- the children helped by the Timmy Foundation -- and idea of this ride was born.
For more information about the foundation, go to their website at the following link: