How does a single mother express her thanks to someone who has helped her son so much for the past 5 years and not only my son but other sons and daughters also. This is not related to ATV's but they are an instrument my cousin has used to open my son's eyes and show wonderful excitement. My cousin has allowed me to use his computer this evening as he has done far too many times I'm sure so his web name I guess you call it will appear on the forum. You now him as Alltoys and trust me his shop is a boy's delight not to mention most men.

Let me tell you my story, my son contracted Leukemia 5 years ago at the age of 4 and my husband could not handle the desease and as much left us. Since then Alltoys and his wife have stepped in been a big brother to me and Shawn, helped us through thick and thin. The hospitals, treatments, hard times and the good times.My son lost his left leg and part of the socket where his limb was attached, also gimped his left arm enough that it can be used only if he puts some thought to it. He is in remission now, hopefully for ever. Four years ago Alltoys wanted us to come for Christmas and stay at their farm for the holidays even when they had a house full with family and friends. I felted depressed of course didn't want to get my son's hopes up as the doctor said we needed a motorized wheel chair for Shawn to get around he might feel better if he could be more independant. Sure sounds good if you have the money of course, this is where Alltoys jumped in he didn't say word not even a peep to Diane his wife, no one. That Xmas he made a motorized wheel chair for Shawn one that would do 25mhp. He told me it was ok Shawn is a fast learner and I can turn up the machine as his ability improves. Alltoys found a motorized chair in bad shape at a pawn shop and he literally redesigned it. He made the drive unit with dc motors from a buick lesabre that had electric motors for the windows, a biult in charger for golf cart batteries one that does not over charge so they wont stink up the house at full charge, the drive wheels tilt in at higher speeds so it will corner better, the front castors can extend so he can drive it faster with more control. Alltoys even put in a tilted - curve ramp so Shawn can motor up the ramp at a quicker rate, the MOTO CHAIR as my son calls it even has a speedometer to keep track of the miles so he can do scheduled maintenance. UH HuH!!!!!

One day Alltoys said to me Shawn would be much happier if he could walk.I told Alltoys that there wasn't the technology in Canada or the States that could build a socket and leg for Shawn to walk with on his own and the only place that was any kind of help was in Austria. Nuts says Alltoys it can't be that hard, I will talk to some people and see what they say. A few month's later I asked Alltoys how he was doing and all I got was stupid people, all they tell me is it can't be done. Alltoys said I'm working on something that is taxing my whits but I'll get it done, he will be walking by next year for sure one way or another lets just not say anything to Shawn yet I don't want to get his hopes up. Last year Alltoys made a leg for Shawn complete with a ball socket. At first I thought does he really now what he is doing if this doesn't work it could be devastating. A good deal of time and patience was evident with Alltoys when he worked with Shawn. "He'll walk Alltoys said you wait he'll show us all with his determination if I had half the get up and go I would be much smaller ". The thought and engineering that went into Shawn's leg is very impressive its made of titanium and I understand will last a long time. The leg has bow string through it to provide snap return while walking and a cam at least that is what I am told at the knee. This allows for Shawn to bend at the knee and allows the tension of string to relax untill he is ready to stand. The foot is a spring from a lite trailer which provides spring in his step he can almost run with it. I cant't tell you about the socket because Alltoys is trying for a patent all I can say it works in 3 directions.

Getting back to the ATV thing my son almost 10 years old wanted to ride Alltoys quad and Alltoys told him if he can operate with him on board maybe Shawn could run it if he was very careful. I now what you are going to say a younge boy, crippled what is Alltoys doing but all the things that have happened to Shawn in the past 5 years if he can do it why not! So Alltoys put together some of his friends with quads and he told Shawn to get some kids with special needs together and they called it the MUNCHKIN RUN. They would go out for a weekend the owners would ride with the kids for the day teach them the fundamentals of quading the first day and if the munchkins showed responsibility then maybe they could handle the quad with constant supervision. What a terrific weekend you should have the munchkins as Alltoys calls them, the biggest smiles were planted on their faces for the intire weekend. Shawn could hardly sleep the chance Alltoys might let him operate the GREEN MACINE he couldn't wait. " I wont hurt the bike mum" he would tell me. It's not the bike I'm worried about I told Shawn but him. The weekend went without a hitch and the munchkins can't wait till next time. There was a total of 9 munchkins with special needs there and the fun was had by all.

Gary oooooops! Alltoys, thank you for being there I can't exspress enough all my gratitude you and Diane have given me especially Shawn. I wanted to honk your horn and let your fellow ATV 'ers now what kind of person you are. Maybe the Munchkin Club can grow a little bigger next year you never now!

 

I have been fortunate enough to speak with alltoys a few times on the phone, While his engineering skills and knowledge of quads was impressive I had no idea he was capable of such great achivements. If more people were half as generous with there time and money, the world would be a much better place. I look forward to working with you in the future and it is an honor to say that I know such a fine man.
Bearman

 

i have seen his posts on this board. he sounds like a very outgoing person.
we need more like him...

 

alltoys helped me fix the choke on my bike, but I had no idea this was the kind of mechanic I was talking to. What a great guy! I am so blown away with that story I don't know what to say. alltoys, I wish you all the greatest things in life & am honored to have someone like you on these forums.

 

!Bearman, Scootdog, 2fat4moto, you guys are too kind my munchkins are the ones that can use the credit and my cousin well I will have to limit her time on the computer after she shows me how to use it. I have problems changing the clock. Say let me tell you a story about a munchkin of mine his name is Jeff. He used to be at the clinic when I would take Shawn there for treatments. Jeff was always solom and serious all the time never would crack a smile. I even showed up in a clown suit one day and all he did was pull a smirk, he was a tough one but I was determined to get him to smile. On his 14th birthday at the centre Jeff was full of smiles bursting with energy I said Jeff this is great nice to see you happy. He told he was happy because he bought his mother a house!! I said come on Jeff how can a 14 year old buy his mother a house.

This is what he told me. (....)Alltoys my parents purchased a life insurance policy on me when I was born a full life policy he said. If there is no hope you are going to live they will pay to the recipiants 75% of the policy. Jeff researched this all on his own he passed the information onto the other kids and parents truly a HERO in my book. Oh yes Jeff did go on the Munchkin Run his health was deteriating rapidly but he had a smile that now one could rub off. We all had a great time even the parents put on a smile probably for the first time in months. My only misgiveing is Jeff lost his fight with cancer, he passed away 4 months later, he was truly happy giving his Mom a house. When ever I feel down all I have to do is think of what my munchkins go through and what I feel can't even compare. They give me hope and inspiration, the simplest thing can be a work of art. Must go fellows take care, I must remember to talk to my cousin.

 

all i can say is wow. if life ever gets to me, and i feel i have it hard, i'll remember this post. i think that her sneaking into here and telling us this story,was a great thing!!! i am just greatful to have read it. thanks

 

I will never forget that story alltoys, Its not nice to make a grown Bear cry.
Bearman

 

Wow...Alltoys...I have to pass this on to some of my friends. This is a great story! Hope all continues to go great with the "Munchkin's"...We need more men to stand-up and lead great programs like this. Keep up the good work and keep us informed about the Munchkin Club!

 

1Bearman,Mich660,Encore454,thanks again for the support it really helps. My wife and I are taking 2 weeks holiday in September and we will hold another Munchkin Run on either the first weekend or the second not sure yet. Depends on whether we get enough operators to turn out but I don't think that will be a problem. This time a Country band wants to donate their time for two nights and wouldn't you now it they have quads too. They exspressed their willingness to participate can't blame them.

You now those munchkins have the uncanny ability to rip your heart out and have you watch it beating. I have some more storys that are interesting and would be good to share but maybe one day we can all sit around the camp fire and I will tell them to you. Bring lots of cleenex guaranteed it wont be a dry camp. Take care gentlemen.

 

alltoys,
where are you located at in canada? i am from michigan, just north of detroit. i am asking this couse my wife has read this post. she cant sleep at night, and really wants to be part of helping kids. she does not know how to go about it, but her heart is all pure. i just thought, that if it was within a days ride, i might be able to tow my camper up there for the next munchkin run. i have a grizzly 660, and a 2 seat gocart i just know the kids would love. ( the cart is electric start) i am sure you have gotten these same post 100 times, and i am not trying to bother ya, just real curious. i find what your doing to be wonderful, and becoming a part( however small) would be great for myself and my wife! thanks!
Ron

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