The Tri-Lite

Issue date: 4/2/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Julie Ivers The iBot 4000 allows its users to stand on two wheels and climb up stairs!

In today's sad state of things, it's very rare to hear a truly heartwarming story on the news. It's even rarer that the story happens close to home, and above all that the driving force behind it was our youth. I'm talking about a wonderful story that I first heard on NBC10 news. The story emerged from Wissahickon High School involving a Senior, Greg Smith, who now can conquer new heights in a brand new power-wheelchair.

Greg was born with cerebral palsy and has been confined to a wheelchair his whole life. While many individuals would let this stop them from living life to the fullest, Greg has pushed through every challenge life has presented him and he has met them with such a positive attitude. He's now graduating high school and has been very active in his school district since elementary school. According to Wissahickon High School Principal, William Hayes, "Greg has been on our Robotics team since 9th grade." The Robotics team, as Hayes explained, has had a working relationship with Dean Kamen, the man who invented the Segway. Kamen's newest invention has been the iBOT 4000 wheelchair. What makes this a different wheelchair from all its competitors is its ability to stand on two wheels, among many other elite features. This state-of-the-art wheelchair also would allow its users to climb stairs. "As a matter of fate or coincidence, Greg got to use the wheelchair once as a part of a demonstration" said Hayes, "It was at that point we decided we would do what we needed to do to get it for him." The iBot 4000 carries a heavy price tag of $23,000, but with the immense help of students, staff, and the community, the school presented Greg and his family a check for that amount in late March.

The fundraising efforts began in September and included many different tactics such as selling ice cream and raffling gift baskets at the school's annual Wing Bowl. Greg is beyond thrilled as are his family and friends. It will certainly open up so many possibilities for Greg in whatever he does. Greg in particular is looking forward to going to some Phillies games this summer and he offers a great big Thank You to everyone who has contributed!

More information is available from NBC10 online at http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Freedom_for_Greg_Philadelphia.html

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