In March, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) held its annual meeting, the largest such gathering of geneticists in the world focusing on the translation of genetic discovery into clinical practice. Each year, the ACMG Foundation presents specially adapted bicycles to area children living with genetic disorders. Purchased by biotechnology firm PerkinElmer, the bikes are customized to each recipient.

This year, the ACMG presented bicycles to 21 local Phoenix-area children from MDA and Little People of America.

“We are honored and grateful that ACMG has chosen a few MDA families to receive these adaptive bicycles,” saya Sarah Brambila, MDA Associate Director of Family Support and Clinical Care. “Our mission at MDA not only includes helping kids and adults affected by neuromuscular conditions with research and services, but it also includes helping families live unlimited, and this gift is a perfect example of that initiative.”

In all, seven kids served by MDA traveled from around the state to receive the beautiful, customized bikes and helmets. “The kids were over the moon excited! The bikes were amazing,” says Sarah.”They each got helmets and a personalized name plate on the back. So cool!”