metro Friendship Circle Walk Join The Parade Adaptive bikes give Beaumont kids that beloved childhood experience. Richard Keidan Special to the Jewish News W F riendship Circle's 2014 Walk4Friendship, which takes place Labor Day weekend on Sunday, Aug. 31, announced that icon and former news anchor Diana Lewis will again emcee and lead this year's event. Charlie Langton of WWJ Newsradio 950 will also host. Featured entertain- ment includes the nationally acclaimed Champions Forever, who were featured on the hit show America's Got Talent. Champions Forever, a Diana Lewis family of 12 who per- form basketball tricks while on unicycles, will perform from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield. The 2014 Walk4Friendship is expect- ed to draw thousands as has been the case in years passed and the goal is to raise more than $600,000. The festivi- ties get started at 12:30 p.m. with open- ing ceremonies at Friendship Circle (6892 W. Maple between Drake and Halsted), followed by a simultaneous Your NEW Neighborhood Pharmacy DELIVERY tranklin Discount Pharmacy FREE MEDICATION CONSULTATION ALL CASH PRESCRIPTIONS! ❑ NOW OPEN! FREE 20% OFF 5K and 1-mile walk, which begin on the Friendship Circle grounds at 1 p.m. Participants in the 5K and the walk return to the Jewish Community Center (northwest corner of Maple and Drake) at 1:30 p.m. That's when attendees will be able to sample food and get involved with some of the day's events. Admission is free but donations are welcome. Some of the day's events include: face painting by Astute Artistry, painting classes, kids' crafts by Home Depot, make your own slime project, inflatable zipline and team semi-truck pull competition plus much more. "We invite everyone to join us for a free, family-fun event that cel- ebrates friendship and inclusion:' said Bassie Shemtov, executive director of Friendship Circle. Thousands of area families and hundreds of Southeastern Michigan schools utilize the services of Friendship Circle and have come to count on this wonderful oasis in helping their children with special needs lead better and more fulfilling lives. Go to Walk4Friendship.com to register and for more information. 111 Franklin Discount Pharmacy 291 13 Northwestern Hwy. Southfield 248.355.1910 OTC Medications I Blood Pressure Monitors I Diabetic Supplies I Immunizations I Medical Equipment 1938210 N MEL 12 August 14 • 2014 ho doesn't remember their first bike? Mine was a red Schwinn Tiger. I was no different than most other children — I loved my bike and used it on a regular basis, but I took it for granted. On July 11 at Beaumont Children's Hospital, about 100 children received their first bike, but I guarantee you none of them took it for granted. All of these children have special needs that prohibit them from having a "normal" bike from a bicycle shop or big box store. In fact, these custom adap- tive bikes cost an average of $1,700 and many are more than $4,000. Bike Day could only be described as "inspiring" The children each came with their families while vendors and therapists made final adjustments to their new bikes. Their smiles were amazing. They took their bikes into the parking lot under supervision and went for their first spin. These bikes not only allow these children to experience one of the joys of childhood and build self-esteem, but will also allow them to participate in family and social activities as well as be integrated into their physical therapy. Three children with cerebral palsy live in a group home in Detroit and they received their first bike thanks to a generous grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities. When one girl met Kelly Donaldson, board member of Ronald McDonald House Charities, she exclaimed, "It's a miracle!" and gave Donaldson a big hug. Another recipient from last year won two gold medals at the Special Olympics. This year marks 10 years of Bike Day. The Beaumont Children's Hospital program continues to grow from 22 recipients in 2004 to 101 in 2014. Since its inception, 547 bikes have been given to families across Southeast Michigan at a cost of $774,518. This is the third year Detroit2Nepal has supported this program The annual fundraiser, Miles4Alex, is at the Birmingham Bike Festival Aug. 24. Festival founder Jeff Surnow always says, "It's all about the kids" Join the bike parade at 12:20 p.m. along a half-mile course in downtown Birmingham. Participants will include children on their new custom adaptive bikes, children from pediatric oncology and children from the community. Dr. Richard Keidan checks out Justin's new bike. Isabel looks happy on her new bike. After the bike parade, all children are welcome at the Rock Companies/ Beaumont Children's Fair from 1-4 p.m. on Martin Street behind the Surnow Building. Individuals and teams of children and/or adults can sign up to raise funds and participate in the bike parade on Crowdrise.com/miles4alex. Donations can also be made at Detroit2Nepal.org , or checks can be mailed to D2N, 2035 Bayou, West Bloomfield, MI 48323. D2N is a registered nonprofit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible. ❑ Richard Keidan, M.D., is founder and director, D2N:Detroit2Nepal Foundation.