Northern Ontario girl’s custom bike dream realized

A seven-year-old Sault Ste. Marie girl who has spent much of her young life in hospital has had a long-held dream fulfilled, thanks to the financial support of dozens of donors.

Leah Sperry, who has a range of serious medical complications, is now the proud owner of a custom-built bicycle, a moment her family once thought they might never see.

Long-awaited arrival

The specialized bike, which features modifications to carry Leah’s oxygen tank and intravenous pump, arrived after a complex, five-and-a-half-month journey.

“It originated from the UK. And then it had to go through a company in the states,” explained Leah’s mother, Heather Jessome.

“It took a lot of effort and a lot of people were working hard to get it here for her.”

A fundraiser was started in May by Leah’s aunt, Laura Young, who wrote that the girl’s family had “dedicated everything to her care.”

The campaign, which highlighted Leah’s extensive medical history including over 1,139 days admitted to hospital and more than 200 surgical procedures, ultimately raised more than $29,000 from 174 donors.

Milestone moment

For Leah’s family, the bicycle represents more than a gift; it is a milestone.

“We never thought that we’d get her to this point in her life,” Jessome said.

“So to see her do that is such an incredible feeling for our family and our friends and everyone that supported us along the way.”

In a statement posted online, Young expressed the family’s gratitude, posting a picture of a smiling Leah with her new bike.

“Her t-shirt says what her family and I feel: incredibly heart-felt thanks to all those who helped support Leah’s dream,” Young wrote.

Looking ahead to new adventures

The purchase of the bike used less than half of the funds raised. The remaining money will be used for specialized travel equipment, allowing Leah to finally take a Make-A-Wish trip for which she has been eligible for years.

With winter approaching, the family is now seeking a large indoor space where Leah can safely practice steering her new bike away from people and cars.

“We’re still learning to steer a little bit,” mom said.

As Leah looks forward to riding alongside her older brother, her aunt has attempted to sum up the family’s sentiment.

For her part, Leah had two simple words to share: “Thank you!”

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