Lubbock veteran reclaims freedom with adaptive cycling after parkinson's disease diagnosis | va amarillo health care | veterans affairs

For most of his life, Marine Corps Veteran Shirrell Zane Bond Jr. was an avid cyclist that enjoyed the open road. But that sense of freedom was nearly lost when he was diagnosed with

Parkinson’s disease almost 10 years ago. “I’d been active for as long as I can remember, even after serving in the Marines,” said Bond. “Then even walking started to become a challenge after

my diagnosis.”  Parkinson’s, a progressive neurological disorder, affected his balance and movement, making cycling nearly impossible.  “When Parkinson’s started to take over, I couldn’t

ride my road bike anymore,” said Bond. “It felt like losing a piece of myself.” Bond recalled the times he would ride his road bike from Lubbock to Amarillo and would be gone for long

periods of time enjoying the outdoors and the rush of the wind.  “After my diagnosis, I was basically in lockdown in my house for a long time because I couldn’t really do anything,” said

Bond. “It was depressing.” It wasn’t until his Physical Therapist at the Lubbock VA Clinic recommended adaptive bikes offered through Ambucs, a nonprofit community service organization that

provides adaptive trykes to those with mobility challenges.  “He was a perfect candidate for one of these trykes,” said Christopher Riggs, Physical Therapist at the Lubbock VA Clinic. “There

is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, but we want to help him navigate it in any way that we can. Patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease can still lead an active life.” Riggs referred

Bond to Ambucs and Bond was fortunate to be accepted to their program. Ambucs worked with Bond to be fitted to a recumbent tryke, specifically designed and customized to support his

stability needs and manage the muscle stiffness that comes with Parkinson’s.  “This bike means life to me, that’s all I can really say,” said Bond with a smile. “I feel like myself again. It

gets me out of the house and I get to do what I love. I am so grateful for the Lubbock VA Clinic and Ambucs for giving this back to me.” Through adaptive cycling, Bond has found a new form

of freedom to help him manage his Parkinson’s diagnosis. He rides his tryke to the Lubbock VA Clinic often for his appointments, and even said he rode his tryke around the Lubbock Loop 289.

  “There is one thing I would like to tell others,” said Bond. “Don’t forget to wear your helmet!”