Ark Valley News - Independence day

Amanda Stauffer smiles as she learns to pedal and steer her new trike. Curtis Stubbs (right) of Air Capital AMBUCS says a few minutes on the trike is like hours at physical therapy.

Independence day
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: July 27, 2017

Group helps local woman get trike to help her mobility

It didn't take long for Amanda Stauffer to figure it out.

She pedaled around the church gym, smiled and gave her family and friends an enthusiastic thumbs up.

"That's why we do this," Alexis Wallis said.

Wallis and Curtis Stubbs with Air Capital AMBUCS came to Valley Center July 13 to deliver an adult-size tricycle to Stauffer and her family.

Stauffer, 36, is mentally and physically challenged. She doesn't speak much, but had no trouble communicating the joy she felt about her new red three-wheeler.

"Five to 10 minutes on this is equal to hours at physical therapy," Stubbs said. "The biggest problem is getting them off."

AMBUCS, which tries to create mobility and independence for people with disabilities, raises funds and coordinates the delivery of trikes to people whose therapists refer them to the organization.

The group has delivered 250 trikes since 2010.

Stauffer's mother, Mary Jane Stauffer, said she appreciated the organization's efforts to help Amanda.

"She's excited about it, and she'll learn to do it," she said.

She's well on her way.