11 Jul The Ride That Changed Everything: How CHOP Transformed Robert Cram’s Health and Life
Robert Cram is a new man, and it’s all thanks to the Community Health Outreach Project (CHOP), a grant program administered by the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State (CP State) and funded by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.
For Robert, who has a neurological impairment and intellectual disability, exercise was always a challenge. He knew he needed to be more active to manage his diabetes, but the physical demands of traditional exercise made it difficult to stay consistent. Walking wasn’t enough, and with a regular bicycle, he worried about getting too tired to make it home.
“I could never find a good enough bike,” Robert said. “With a regular bike, I might get somewhere and not have the energy to get back. I might be stranded.”
But that all changed when CHOP funded an e-bike for him. With the electric assist, he can now ride 4-5 miles, take a break, and still make it home safely. The impact on his health has been profound. Since receiving the e-bike, Robert has lost 50 pounds, and his A1C levels have dropped from a dangerously high 8.9 to a much-improved 6.5. His doctor had warned him about the risks of diabetes complications, including poor circulation and high blood pressure, but with cycling, his overall health has dramatically improved.
Beyond the health benefits, the bike has given Robert newfound independence. With a basket attached to the back, he now runs errands that used to require a car. “I used to drive, but now if the weather’s nice, I’ll take the bike,” he said.
His mother, Brenda, has noticed the difference, too. “It’s helping Rob and saving us gas money because he doesn’t mind running errands on the bike,” she said.
More than anything, the bike has given Robert a sense of freedom and joy. “There can be a lot of stress here, and Rob takes on a lot of responsibilities. That bike gives him the chance to get away for a little while – just get on the bike and go,” Brenda shared.
But she also knows that without CHOP, none of this would have been possible. “We couldn’t afford even a regular bike,” she said. “If we hadn’t gotten the Community Health Outreach Project grant through CP State, this wouldn’t have happened. Rob wouldn’t have lost all that weight, his A1C levels wouldn’t have come down, and he just wouldn’t be as healthy or happy.”
In fact, Brenda believes that Medicaid and insurance providers should take note of Robert’s transformation. “I wish the people at Medicaid knew how much money they could save by buying someone a bike or another piece of exercise equipment to improve their health, instead of paying for people to manage how unhealthy they are,” she said.
Since its launch in 2020, CHOP has provided over $3.4 million in funding, benefiting 7,200 individuals by covering essential items like walkers, hearing aids, therapy equipment, and more. For Robert, the $917.10 grant for his e-bike and accessories was life-changing. And as he continues his health journey, riding farther and feeling better each day, he’s proof that sometimes, a little support can go a long way – one ride at a time.