Cycling for Sierra | Video

Jennifer Joas | 4/17/2012

"It is all for the kids." That is what riders at the Great American Bike Race say every year while they are biking to raise money for children with cerebral palsy.

One of those special children they have in mind is Sierra Frick of Watford City. Her supporters are hoping to give Sierra a special gift this year.

Sierra Frick is a six years old. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a strong impact on her fellow classmates.

"Sierra is special. She has spirit, she has spunk, she is happy, she laughs. She makes everybody happy. Every kid in the school wants to be her helper. She has so many friends. She is just an amazing little soul," said Kathy Aberle, Sierra Frick`s Para.

Sierra`s family calls her disability "Sierra`s Syndrome" because doctors have not been able to figure it out. But Sierra`s symptoms qualify her to receive funds through the Great American Bike Race.

Kathy Aberle met Sierra in pre-school and has worked with her for the past three years. Aberle does stretches with Sierra, and has worked to get Sierra to sit up on her own and move around on the floor.

"I am thinking that if we work hard like we have been and she does, that she will eventually walk by herself and if not, speak in a regular tone, and at least be able to communicate her wishes and her thoughts."

Close to 12 people will be riding for Sierra, all in the hopes of raising enough donations to buy her a new stroller.

Sierra is outgrowing her current stroller, and despite a cost of more than $3,000, Aberle says a new one is important for Sierra`s progress.

"I just hope we keep continuing like we are going. It is a slow process, but it is going to happen. It will happen."

Aberle hopes to continue seeing Sierra develop and work with her through Sierra`s high school years.

The Great American Bike Race is taking place on April 28 at Century High School in Bismarck. We will be broadcasting live from the race from noon to 1:00 p.m.

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