For Wade Williams, a new bike means more than just a ride. It’s hard-earned freedom made possible by a care team that’s been with him every step of the way.
From life-changing surgeries to the joy of pedaling again, Wade’s journey shows how FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health is redefining what’s possible for kids of all abilities.
No Such Thing as Impossible: The Gift of Mobility
When Wade outgrew his tricycle, his parents thought his biking days were over.
Everyone deserves to feel the wind in their hair and the thrill of riding a bike, but for children with developmental delays and disabilities, a traditional bicycle isn’t always an option. That’s where the No Such Thing as Impossible Bike Ride Fundraiser steps in.
This annual event supports the Wheels to Succeed program at the Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health Pediatric Developmental Medicine & Therapy. Through the generosity of donors and participants, the program provides adaptive bikes, custom-built to meet each child’s unique needs, that can cost up to $8,000.
To date, more than 225 adaptive bikes have been gifted to children in our community. Wade’s bike is among them.
A Hospital That Feels Like Home
Wade’s life has been closely connected to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health since the day he was born. Diagnosed with Down syndrome and later autism, Wade has faced numerous medical challenges, from chronic pneumonia and motor delays to severe sleep apnea.
Over the years, his family has leaned on our children’s hospital’s multidisciplinary team of specialists, therapists and surgeons who’ve helped Wade overcome obstacle after obstacle.
“For our family, the Lake isn’t just a hospital. It’s home,” says Wade’s mom, Heather, who has worked at Our Lady of the Lake for more than 20 years, now senior director of medical staff services. “If Children’s Hospital has it, we’ve received the services.”
A Breakthrough Device: Wade’s Inspire Implant
In 2020, Wade became a trailblazer. He was the first child in Louisiana, and one of the first in the Southeast, to receive an Inspire sleep apnea implant outside of clinical trials. The device offered new hope after years of unsuccessful CPAP treatments.
“The Inspire device changed everything,” Heather shares. “Overnight, Wade started sleeping better, he was healthier, and he began engaging with us more, using words and being more present.”
Freedom on Wheels
For Wade, riding a bike again wasn’t just a wish. It was a challenge. As he grew, he outpaced the size of traditional tricycles, and his motor difficulties made typical bikes impossible.
When Wade’s custom adaptive bike finally arrived, it was a perfect fit.
Wade is a huge LSU fan, so his bike was designed just for him. Finished in purple and gold and complete with a tiger bell, the custom touches made the moment even more special.
“The smile on his face when he took his first ride was unforgettable,” Heather says. “This bike is more than just fun. It’s freedom, exercise and confidence all in one.”
On February 10, Wade will be recognized as an FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Geaux Hero during the LSU Men’s Basketball game against Arkansas, a moment to celebrate his strength, perseverance and the community that continues to rally around him.
It’s a fitting honor for a young man whose journey reflects what compassionate, specialized pediatric care, paired with community support, can make possible.
Pediatric Care That Grows with Your Family
Even as Wade nears adulthood, his care team at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health remains a vital part of his life.
“The difference in care, when you have a team that truly understands your child’s needs, is night and day,” Heather says.
