Local

Local family need online votes to win a special wheelchair for disabled son

An Interlachen family is asking for the community's help.

Caleb Finch, 13, has cerebral palsy and spends all day in a wheelchair. There’s an online contest for Caleb to receive a wheelchair bike to fit his special needs.

For parents Jessica and Jeff Finch, it’s the little joys of hearing Caleb trying to talk, watching him move to his favorite song or seeing him smile when he’s pushed in a stroller that warms their hearts. The Finch family told Action News Jax they want to give Caleb the opportunity to go on a bike ride.

“I remember the first time I rode a bike and the joy it brought to me, and I want my son to be able to feel that, too,” said Jessica Finch.

Caleb has quad-spastic cerebral palsy and he’s confined to a wheelchair for the majority of the day and depends on his parents for all his daily needs.

“If you don’t know Caleb, it wouldn’t take you long to love him,” said Caleb's dad.

A nonprofit called Friendship Circle is hosting a bike giveaway for disabled children. The more people who vote for Caleb online increases the likelihood of him getting a duet wheelchair. His mom said this bike giveaway will give him the opportunity to get him on a bike ride.

Caleb loves going out on family gatherings especially watching his dad coach baseball while his twin brother plays. But, the Finch family told us this stroller doesn’t give them the mobility needed to go to all family festivities.

Caleb’s mom told us if they win this wheelchair contest this will give Caleb the chance to be a kid.

“I know it’s going to make him happy, it’s just a matter of getting it,” said Finch.

The Finch family is hoping for a special miracle, people to vote for their son. Caleb’s mom said,  “I believe every child deserves to ride a bike.” The contest closes on Wednesday.