Oyen’s Bikes For Brody fundraiser brings out community spirit
By Jordan Parker
The Town of Oyen came out in full force to support 10-year-old Brody Smigelski, a little boy with a huge heart. With a “Let’s Ride For Brody” motorcycle and poker rally on June 3rd, 2023, the day also played host to the family-friendly We Bike For Brody bicycle event. All the proceeds went to support the family as Brody battles Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
“It was an amazing day. It was overwhelming, to say the least. Lots of kiddos came out,” said Brody’s mother Kelli Smigelski.
The kids all biked around the bus loop at Oyen Public School, and the event was $20 a person. A hot dog lunch, snack and water were provided, and there were plenty of draws.
“It was just an emotional day. It was amazing to see Brody grinning from ear-to-ear the entire time,” she said. “He’s just a resilient kid. We have been dealing with this for 20 months. We go back-and-forth with doctors and specialists, and he always has a good attitude.”
For Brody, he does all he can to live a happy life, and he just celebrated his birthday in April.
“He’s inquisitive. He loves everything with a motor, and loves being on the farm with his dad. He may come across as serious, but he’s all giggles when you get to know him,” she said.
While there is some funding to help the family, Smigelski says fuel costs to-and-from appointments and equipment do fall to them.
“In our bungalow, for instance, there are stairs to the house. We upgraded to a different wheelchair, which has been an asset. With a power wheelchair, he can get out with friends and participate in sports. But the porch lift we ordered wasn’t funded by the government,” she said.
“We’d like to develop the basement for him as he progresses, get an accessible bathroom and plan moving forward. Things like this are amazing to help us help Brody.”
The bike day was just an incredible experience for the whole family, including Brody.
“It was a little damp to start, but when we were getting to the bus loop, the sun came out,” she said. “To see the community come together was amazing.”
The motorcycle rally was also a hit, with a few hundred bikers and motorcyclists throughout the day. The went from Oyen to Concert, Veteran, Hemaruka, Youngstown and then to Cereal. With draws and a live auction, Smigelski says her son was so overjoyed with the support.
“There was an overwhelming response of donations for the event. The Oyen Eagles gifted Brody a signed McDavid jersey the live auction. It was amazing,” he said. “We raised more than expected, that’s for sure. There’s no grand total, but we’re so overjoyed. To our volunteers, family and friends, thank you. Everyone really stepped up.”