Jennifer Kern
ECM Staff Writer

It is going to be a busy month for Reven McGee.

Next week, the 11 year-old East Bethel boy will attend a week-long athletic camp at Bemidji State University.

Later in the month, he will hold a piano performance outside of the Metrodome prior to a Minnesota Twins game.

Certainly, life has not slowed down for Reven since he completely lost his vision in 2004.

After suffering from multiple headaches for weeks, Reven was diagnosed with having a subdural hematoma and a cyst that fall. Both put pressure on his optic nerves and his sight slowly deteriorated.

Following a hospital stay at Gillettes Childrenís Hospital to drain excess fluid from his brain, Reven no longer endured headaches. His sight however, never returned.

Nearly two years have gone by and though Reven may have lost his vision, he has not lost his spirit.

He continues to attend school at Linwood Elementary, where he just finished his fifth grade year. After numerous doctor and hospital visits in 2004, Reven now just has annual check-ups.

Revenís new bicycle

In April 2005, fundraising efforts began for a tandem bicycle for Reven. He has always been a BMX bike fan.

ìItís something he still talks about and wants to do, BMX tricks,î said his father, Jim.

The fundraising effort began through the Rush-Miller Foundation, which specializes in helping visually-impaired children receive tandem bicycles.

ìSomeone at my work told me about (the foundation),î said Jim.

The McGee family, which also includes mother Nancy and older sisters Elle and Coco, had already purchased an inexpensive tandem bicycle. However, its heavy frame made it difficult to maneuver.

ìIt was good for a couple miles, here and there,î said Jim.

Last month, the foundation contacted the McGees to let them know that a bicycle, a dark green Burley Samba tandem, was available. They picked up their new bike in Champlin on June 27.

ìIt is really, really awesome,î said Reven.

The bicycle cost approximately $1,600. Thus far, the McGees have fundraised about $900 for the bike.

Jim noted the support from the foundation to have been greatly appreciated.

ìIt would have been awhile before we could have afforded this,î he said.

Having had the bicycle at home for a week, Reven and his parents have been able to take it for a few rides. They even have two matching green helmets for the bike.

Nancy and Jim take turns going for rides with their son.

ìWe just keep adjusting the seat,î said Jim.

Reven suggested the new bike, which has 27 speeds, is a major upgrade from the previous tandem bicycle.

ìIt can take sharper turns,î he said. ìWe can ride it in the woods.î

Father and son are planning on taking a lengthy trip next year. Grand Rapids is their destination.

ìWeíre going to go up to my sisterís next summer,î said Jim.

ìWe plan to do 300 miles,î added Reven.

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Forest Lake Times
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Forest Lake, MN 55025
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