News Friends helping Lanes buy special bike trailer for son with Klippel Feil

Every Special Olympian’s story is unique and inspiring, but Ryan Lane’s ability to smile, laugh and joke despite the daily pain caused by Klippel Feil Syndrome – the abnormal fusion of spinal bones in the neck – has been a daily inspiration to those who know how hard he works and how much pain he faces. And Ryan’s joy while proving wrong the predictions of doctors who warned he would not be able do to certain things continues to impress those most familiar with his story and his daily discomfort.

“Ryan is an amazing young man,” says Michael Kramer, one of the volunteer Special Olympics coaches. “Everyday life for him is bravery.”

While most people have never even heard of Klippel Feil Syndrome, Kramer has known Ryan and his parents, Dan and Michelle, long enough to see how they have helped Ryan battle the affliction.

Kramer says that while most people who have a backache can take some medicine or go to a chiropractor for relief but still whine, Ryan is commonly in daily pain and doesn't complain..

“His whole spine is damaged,” says Kramer. “To most of us, this pain would be severe to the point you wouldn't even dare getting out of bed and trying to move around for fear of excruciating pain.”

One thing that Ryan can’t do, however, is go on bike rides with his family. He has outgrown the toddler-size trailer he used years ago; a specially-equipped new one big enough for him will cost an estimated $2,000. Friends are now helping the Lane family purchase a handicapped-accessible seated bike trailer that will accommodate Ryan through his teen years. A Go Fund Me page has been set up to make it easier for those who want to help to make donations on-line.

In addition to the pain of his illness, Ryan has also had several surgeries, and wears a brace every day for support of his spine and upper body, along with a regimen of medication and physical therapy.

Ryan’s mom says major surgery to correct Ryan’s scoliosis will be scheduled for later this year. He also has been diagnosed with autism.

“When he was first diagnosed with Klippel Feil, we were told he would never crawl; but he crawled at the age of two,” says Michelle Lane. “Then they said he would never walk on his own without his walker, but he started walking when he was four years old.”

Ryan’s life is full of laughter and energy, says his coach.

“Ryan is involved in Special Olympics; he does bowling, basketball and track,” Kramer says. “He participates, works hard and is dedicated to these sports. During warm-ups he is the only boy who does push-ups with me on the floor – with a smile, of course. He constantly gives me flack of some sort, stealing my hat off my head, joking around, clowning around, and I laugh and am humbled by every minute of it.”

Kramer says Ryan is a joy to be around in any situation.

“I enjoy seeing him at practice or around town, talking with him, joking around and watching him succeed. I always look forward to working with Ryan at practice. Deep down I know he is always in pain of some sort but yet he does not complain, Ryan is always smiling and having fun. For everything the doctors said he wouldn't or couldn't be able to do, he certainly has proven them wrong. Ryan takes everyday life and all that he has to deal with like no uncommon task. He succeeds well in Special Olympics, receiving several first place ribbons in many events.”

Click HERE to see Ryan’s Go Fund Me page, with more information about the bike trailer and Ryan’s story.