Go Micah, Go - Part 1

Inspired by a project with LifeScape called Go Baby Go, 14 Mechatronics and Electronics students at Southeast Tech made Micah Van Overbeke’s day a whole lot brighter, and faster – when he was presented with a customized ride-on toy car.

Micah’s vehicle looks like one of the millions of ride-on cars that children across the country enjoy each year. However, his is specially equipped with an activation switch and modified with kickboards, plastic pipes and foam swimming noodles, as well as an easy-access charging port.

Micah was born with a genetic neuromuscular disease called Myotonic Dystrophy, type one, which affects every system in his body – from his brain and lungs, to muscles in his hands and feet, to his speech. The modifications made to his car will allow him easier play and socialization.

Micah’s father, Jeff, a speech instructor at Southeast Tech, brought Micah in shortly before Christmas Break so students and staff could present the vehicle to Micah.

“As a parent, just being able to see the pure joy and happiness that Micah felt is special. It’s one of those moments in life that cannot be duplicated,” said Jeff.

Dennis Russell, a psychology instructor at Southeast Tech, coordinated the donations to purchase the car and modification supplies, and Mechatronics instructor Bryan Cox oversaw the build. Participating students include: Brendon Chase, Taylor Dewit, Gabriel Guggisburg, Haile Idris, Daved Ilse, Ketsela Jembere, Dan Kloss, Dan Kramer, Alex Leichtman, Kenaw Bekele Mulu Jr., Egor Poberezhnik, James Sorensen, Jared Totton and Harvey Williams.

And, no custom car – for a child or an adult – is complete without a personalized license plate. Micah’s of course, reads “MICAH.”

Note: This is the second installment in a two-part series.

Read the first installment