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Custom trike is a therapy tool for a disabled Waynesville boy

Ben Phillips, 4, rides his new AmTryke on Wednesday, March 17, in Waynesville Elementary's preschool room. The trike, custom-made for children with disabilities, was donated to Ben by GreeneBucs, the local AmBucs chapter based in Greene County. Staff photo by Apryl Pilolli

Apryl Pilolli/Staff photographer Ben Phillips, 4, rides his new AmTryke on Wednesday, March 17, in Waynesville Elementary's preschool room. The trike, custom-made for children with disabilities, was donated to Ben by GreeneBucs, the local AmBucs chapter based in Greene County. Staff photo by Apryl Pilolli

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By Richard Wilson, Staff Writer Updated 10:41 PM Saturday, March 20, 2010

WAYNESVILLE — At an early age, Ben Phillips was diagnosed with Sturge Weber syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by extra arteries on one side of the brain.

The 4-year-old boy suffered from severe seizures and had to repeatedly relearn basic functions such as speaking and eating.

To fix the seizures, surgeons removed the right side of Ben’s brain, but the procedure left him partially paralyzed on the left side of his body.

Despite his disability, the Waynesville boy enjoyed this week showing off for all the adults watching him ride around on his new AmTryke.

The three-wheeler, custom-made for children with disabilities, was donated to Ben in his Waynesville Elementary’s preschool room.

It’s one of three recently given to children by GreeneBucs, the local AmBucs chapter based in Greene County. The trikes cost $500 each and are paid for with funds raised by the owners of Canada Goose Art Gallery in Waynesville.

“This is just another way to use art to benefit the community and children,” said Laura DeRamus, co-owner of Canada Goose.

GreeneBucs board member Alan Eakle was on hand to help assemble the vehicle, which features chain-driven handlebar peddles, Velcro foot plates and a lock to keep it going straight.

“(Ben) will be like any other kid on the bike path,” Eakle said. “Socially it will be great for him, but at the same time, it’s providing valuable therapy.”

Ben Phillips said his son hasn’t been able to ride the Big Wheel or tricycle at home.

“He’s come a long way,” he said.

The trike will help retrain Ben’s brain so that he can move his whole body more fluently, said his physical therapist Anna Frank, of the Warren County Educational Services Center.

Strapped in his helmet atop the candy-apple red trike, Ben revved his inner motor to warn everyone how fast he can go.

“Can you drive it to daddy?” his father asked. Ben revved his engines, said an enthusiastic “Yep!” and crashed into his father’s legs.

“That’s the first time I’ve seen him on it. I think it’s great,” Phillips said.

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