Bikes for Kids Winners Recognized for Overcoming Adversity

Braylon and Lily, our newest Bikes for Kids winners, were nominated for how they have handled adversity.

“Braylon was a new fourth grader in my Phys Ed class last year,” said Mr. Przybylski. “I also operate an after- school running club program, and Braylon became one of my better runners. After he completed the 2025 East Side Turkey Trot 5 K race, his dad contacted me and told me that Braylon is a cancer survivor.”

“Braylon was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia back in 2019,” explained his father, Dan Gose. “He was a fighter for almost seven months when he was hospitalized and underwent multiple chemo treatments. He never gave up, but it affected his legs, and Braylon struggled for years with running and walking pain. Then, he told us he wanted to join the running club with Mr. P. halfway through the school year, he told us he had run the most, and it was the most incredible feat that I could have ever imagined.”

“I received an email in my inbox talking about nominating students to win a bike,” says Mr. Przybylski. “I immediately thought of Braylon after reading it.”

“We walked into just one of the most amazing surprises we could have ever imagined,” said Dan Gose. “It’s hard to put into words how much we appreciate this. It is one of the greatest gifts that we have experienced. Thank you.

“I would just like to thank Chuck for this program,” said Mr. Przybylski. “I look forward to nominating other kids for this experience.”

Elaine Strausbaugh nominated her granddaughter, Lilyana (Lily), for a chance to win a bike from Boyk Law Offices. “I get the Boyk newsletter in the mail every month. I saw an article about the bike program, and nominated her.”

In 2021, Lily’s mom was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. “She was upset like the rest of the family, but she decided to step up and help,” says her grandma. Lily started doing more household chores, helping with their animals, and tutoring her younger sister in math. On her mom’s bad days, Lily slept on the couch in case she needed help during the night. At school, she led a group
to raise money for the Victory Center, to help cancer victims and their families in need.

“The one thing that really hit my heart is when she told her teacher that she wanted to make her mom proud of
her while I was still alive,” says Jennifer Heyman. “I’m terminally ill, and she literally just said to me I have a bike now. Can we stop at Burger King to see if they’ll hire me so I can help you pay the bills? Not many kids want to do that. It just shows how amazing she is.”

“I want Lily to know that I am so, so proud of her. And I know the entire family is,” says Elaine Strausbaugh. “I want to thank Chuck for this tremendous program and everything that he does for the community. We really appreciate it.”

“This is a very amazing thing that you’re doing for people, and especially those who are doing good in society,” says Jennifer Heyman. “I could never afford that bike. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for picking my daughter. I know she will take care of it, ride it, and probably keep it for the rest of her life. And I’m going to try to ride with her.”

Charles Boyk Law hopes our Bikes for Kids program created lasting memories for these families.