An act of kindness was a life changing event for a local child.

Taelin Lanch, 9, who suffers with microcephaly, was given a special Amtryke therapeutic tricycle and a Spinoza Bear by the Women of the Moose Chapter 633.

Sandy Baughman, Women of the Moose’s Senior Regent, presented the tricycle and bear to Taelin during a special ceremony at the Moose Lodge 867, 4500 West Pike. Microcephaly has caused physical and mental challenges for Taelin who is unable to run and play.

Taelin, a beautiful smile on her face, sat on the tricycle holding her Spinoza Bear in her arms while the tricycle was being adjusted for her. The tricycle can be peddled using hands or feet. Spinoza is a talking teddy bear that comes with cassette tapes and offers messages of love and encouragement as it talks and sings to the child.

“I think once they get it adjusted this will turn that little girl’s world around,” said Chuck Winsor, trustee.

The Women of the Moose held many fundraisers to get the needed funds to purchase the tricycle and it took a long time to arrive, Sandy Baughman, Women of the Moose’s Senior Regent said.

“It’s (the tricycle) the first one we’ve given away. We do fundraiser for everything we need,” she added.

The tricycle is adjustable and sturdily built to last for many years. It has the added feature of allowing the child to be strapped in securely.

Taelin’s grandmother, Kathy Kennedy, decided to take the bike for a ride around the room while Carolyn Arbuckle helped guide it. Kathy had celebrated her 69th birthday recently and was convinced the bike would last Taelin a lifetime.

“I think it’s great,” Kathy declared after her ride.

Kathy and her husband, Ed Kennedy, have been members of the Moose for 41 and 42 years respectively. Kathy holds all the degrees and Ed holds all degrees including the lodge’s highest degree, the Pilgrim Degree.

“We were at convention when this (the tricycle) was brought up,” Ed said. “I’m tickled to death with it, it and the bear both. It’ll last her life.”

While Taelin received the first tricycle the lodge has given locally, it is not the first tricycle they have helped provide for children. The lodge has made donations to assist other lodges with the purchase of the tricycles in their areas.

“We try to do a lot of things in the community and this is important to us,” Sandy said.

The lodge is involved in many local activities including highway clean-up, assisting the Salvation Army’s Kettle drive and providing stuffed animals called Tommy Moose to the sheriff’s department to be given to children in a time of crisis.

“Too many times people think of the lodges as a ‘good old boys club’ where I can go and get a beer. It’s not that way anymore. We have family things,” Chuck said.

Debbie adopted Taelin and six other children with special needs. Taelin has been in a wheelchair and was not able to run and play with her siblings. The tricycle will make a difference in her life.

“This has been a blessing for us,” Debbie said.

The Moose Lodge 867 was established in 1913. For additional information or to visit the lodge phone 453-6008.

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