Adapted bike rider leads IU Dance Marathon Torch Rally

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More than 60 Indiana University students pedaled away from Riley Hospital toward Bloomington last month, but none were more proud of the feat than Lia Smollen. She rode an adapted bike she received from Riley’s Pedal Power Program.

Smollen, 16, has cerebral palsy and autism. The cyclist wore her bike helmet as she led the rally on her adapted bike, which helps her to be mobile and to ride safely.

The Second Annual Indiana University Dance Marathon (IUDM) Torch Rally kicked off events leading up to the 17th Annual IU Dance Marathon, which raised more than $920,000 for Riley last year. The rally honors Riley Hospital patients and Ashley Crouse, an IUDM organizer killed in a car accident in 2005.

"This was a wonderful opportunity for one of our Riley kids not only to be a part of this important event, but to lead it," says Karen Bruner Stroup, PhD, director of Riley Community Education and Child Advocacy. "We’re grateful to the IU Dance Marathon, and to Abby Gesell and Bridget Shirley of Riley Rehab Services for being Lia’s backup support."

[Keywords: community education, child advocacy]

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