HUDSONVILLE, Mich. -- The dream of family bike rides this summer is picking up speed for the Beute family in Allendale, but they still need one special bike for their special little girl.
Sadie, 5, who was adopted from Ghana when she was just 18 months old, will need a specialized adaptive bicycle called a Duet Wheelchair Tandem Bicycle. The cost is around $7,000. The bike includes a removable wheelchair and is propelled by the rider behind the wheelchair.
Sadie, as the family calls her, was legally named Princess when she was born. As the product of a failed abortion, she was born with several health issues, including hydrocephalus--a condition that causes a build up of fluid on the brain-- along with cerebral palsy and other developmental issues. The Beutes believe she is the perfect addition to their family.
"She understands more than what she's able to communicate to us," her mother, Audrey Beute, told FOX 17 News. "And I think the joy she's going to get is just going to be amazing"I just envision her soaking up that sun and that feeling you get."
"Sadie, she was meant to be with us from the beginning," explained Audrey. "We felt very much that this is the child that God had picked out for us. She's our life changer."
The Beutes long to see Sadie experience having a bike of her very own. Because of the steep price of the adaptive bike, the family entered a contest earlier this year called "The Great Bike Giveaway," hoping to win one.
They garnered votes and support online by sharing Sadie's story. "She held first place for several weeks during the competition, but during that time she was also acting very sick," explained Beute.
The family soon learned that Sadie's shunt, used to treat her hydrocephalus, had become infected. The girl spent four weeks in the pediatric intensive care unit at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids.
"Our focus obviously wasn't on trying to win the bike," said Audrey, "Our focus was just trying to make her healthy again."
By the time Sadie was better, the contest was over, and the family were disappointed to hear that they had not won.
"I didn't realize how badly we wanted the bike until we didn't get it," said Audrey. "Being able to (ride bicycles) like a family, that was going to be such a gift to us, that I couldn't believe that we didn't win it."
But the dreams of getting Sadie a bike weren't over. Mark Bonner, Audrey's co-worker and family friend, wanted to do more to help. Bonner is an avid bicyclist who grew up with siblings with special needs and understood the importance of enjoying activities together, such as bike rides.
"We had limited outings and abilities to do things as well, so that really resonated with me," explained Bonner. "Sadie needs a bike."
Bonner contacted 3rd Coast Cycles in Hudsonville and got the ball rolling on an online fundraiser for Sadie's bike. So far, the campaign has raised more than $3,000.
"Honestly, it was kind of a no-brainer," said Mike Clark, co-owner of 3rd Coast Cycles. "I think it will have a phenomenal impact on that family, as far as just making it easier to have fun. We're honored and delighted to be a part of it. I can't wait to see this thing come to fruition."
The shop and Bonner are hoping to kick the fundraiser into high gear with the hopes of getting Sadie a bike by summer.
Audrey Beute is grateful for the possibility of seeing her daughter on a different set of wheels soon.
"It's humbling to have strangers come and want to help you out this way," she said. "She's just going to love it... Just to be able to see her and see my big kids do this together, and our family to be able to do this together, it's a priceless gift and we would be so thankful".