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$2,000 bake sale forms lasting friendship

Caitlin Turner
cturner3@chillicothegazette.com

CHILLICOTHE – For most kids, life’s major concerns can revolve around beating a high score playing video games or making the soccer team.

Ten-year-old Makara Flesher, of Frankfort, is not most kids. For Makara, a concern is getting an adaptive handicap bicycle for her friend, Averi Runyon, 12, who was born premature, has cerebral palsy and is prone to seizures.

“I met Averi at pony camp, and I just want to do something good for her,” Makara said. “We had hung out at camp and had a lot of fun.”

When Makara, a fourth-grade student at Adena Local Schools, heard Averi’s family was having a difficult time affording the bicycle, she decided to host a bake sale March 28 in Frankfort and sold baked goods and personalized Easter baskets for a range of ages. By making fliers and a spreading the work on Facebook, the sale lasted only two hours and Makara raised over $2,000; her initial goal was $500.

“People were just stopping and handing her money,” said Danielle Flesher, Makara’s mother. “People supported her like you wouldn’t believe.”

For Averi, who is a student at the Pioneer Center, the $4,400 bicycle is a chance to be active with her family.

“We want to ride bikes as a family and she is unable to,” said Stephanie Runyon, Averi’s mother. “They have the exact same bike at school, and she takes rides on it during (physical education).”

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder caused by a nonprogressive brain injury or malformation that occurs while a child’s brain is underdeveloped, according to cerebralpalsy.org. The disorder affects body movement and muscle coordination. Symptoms can include stiff or weak muscles, poor coordination, trouble swallowing or speaking, and tremors.

Runyon said the bicycle would allow Averi to ride in front while a parent pedals behind. Averi has outgrown other bicycles with seats, according to Runyon, and would get the opportunity to be outside while her mother can monitor her activity. Staff from the Pioneer Center also have donated $1,875 for the purchase.

Makara said she and Averi kept in touch since camp over Facebook and plan to attend the same camp again over the summer. Makara said her friendship with Averi has influenced her future goals.

“When I get older, I would like to work at the Pioneer Center,” Makara said.