Summary:
- Quincy Haas-Dagger, a young man diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, is set to join the RAGBRAI route with the help of an adaptive bike gifted to him by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- Quincy's father, Dan Haas-Dagger, has been a constant source of support throughout his son's journey, and their shared love for cycling has strengthened their bond.
- Quincy's participation in RAGBRAI also serves as a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, with Team Quincy raising close to $7,000 for the cause.
- The adaptive bike has been a game changer for Quincy, allowing him to experience the joy of cycling and the great outdoors, despite his physical challenges.
A Des Moines man, Quincy Haas-Dagger, diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy, is set to join the RAGBRAI route thanks to a special adaptive bike. The bike, a gift from the Make-A-Wish Foundation five years ago, has been a game changer for Quincy, allowing him to enjoy cycling with his father, Dan Haas-Dagger. Now, Quincy is preparing to ride 25 miles in RAGBRAI, an emotional and exciting milestone for the family.
Life has been a journey filled with highs and lows for Dan Haas-Dagger and his son, Quincy. At the age of two, Quincy faced setbacks as he had to relearn how to walk and experienced seizures, eventually losing his verbal skills due to his diagnosis of Dravet syndrome. However, despite the challenges, Quincy's love for biking persisted. In 2018, his life took a turn for the better when he received a gift from the Make-A-Wish Foundation - an adaptive bike that allowed him to enjoy the outdoors and cycling with his father.
The adaptive bike, designed to accommodate Quincy's needs, provides a space for him to sit in the front while his father pedals behind him. The bike also has the versatility to convert into a wheelchair, making it even more convenient for Quincy to navigate the world around him.
Quincy's passion for cycling has been a source of inspiration for the family. On an upcoming Wednesday, Quincy will take on a 25-mile ride in RAGBRAI, a dream come true for him and his loved ones. This will be Quincy's first time participating in the event, and his family and friends are eagerly looking forward to cheering him on throughout the journey.
Not only is Quincy's ride a personal accomplishment, but it also serves a higher purpose. Team Quincy, consisting of family and friends, is using this opportunity to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization known for making dreams come true for children with critical illnesses. So far, Team Quincy has successfully raised close to $7,000 for this noble cause.
For Dan and Quincy, RAGBRAI is more than just a bike ride; it is a celebration of their love for cycling and each other. The bond between the father-son duo has only grown stronger through their shared passion for the sport, and they hope to inspire others, regardless of ability, to experience the joy of cycling.
Quincy's ride in RAGBRAI also holds another significance - it coincides with his high school graduation, making it a momentous occasion that will be cherished by the family forever.
To support Team Quincy's efforts and contribute to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, interested individuals can visit wish.org/Iowa.
Quincy's journey with his adaptive bike is a testament to the power of love, determination, and the profound impact of organizations like Make-A-Wish Foundation. As he embarks on this remarkable ride in RAGBRAI, Quincy and his family are filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have come their way. This inspiring story reminds us all that the love for cycling knows no bounds, and it has the power to transform lives, one pedal at a time.