Children’s Clinics make it fun for youth cyclists in El Tour; longtime participants in El Tour

For years, Children’s Clinics for Rehabilitative Services has been a great partner with El Tour, bringing in many youth cyclists who want to be part of one of Tucson’s biggest events.

Hundreds have participated through the years. Well, they’ll be back on Nov. 23, riding the Fun Ride once again.

They are a great group who just want to enjoy the day in the fresh air among other cyclists.

So far, the group has just 10 or so cyclists. They are hoping for a few more.

Children’s Clinics pays for the kid’s entry fee into the ride.

The night before the ride, the Clinic gets their bikes ready with a tune-up to make everything is good to go. They are also one of the best bike decorating groups in El Tour.

“We want to make sure they have fun when they ride,” said Children’s Clinic’s Amy Serafin.

They work with Tucson Medical Center to help facilitate any of the children’s needs. It’s all about the kids at the program where they play in a number of sports to keep them happy and active.

“What I think is great about this organization is that it’s not only for children with complex medical needs, but for children with muscular disorders and spinal bifida and cerebral palsy,” Serafin said. “We let them come as a group and they see all the specialists there. We have 25 different specialty clinics. So rather than bouncing around all over town to different doctors, they come to us.” They see their cardiologist; they get their speech therapy.  They get their blood drawn. It’s a one-stop shop.

What’s also important is that the caregivers – those who take care of the kids – are now being taken care of.

“We added an adult primary care doctor so that when they’re in they can make sure they are being taken care of,” she said.

According to their website, the mission of Children’s Clinics “is to provide a family centered, comprehensive medical home to meet the special needs of children and families. The clinic serves over 5,000 children in southern Arizona, which equates to over 35,000 visits annually. In addition to providing integrated, coordinated care, the clinic also provides special events and resources that help families navigate the challenges of having a child with a complex illness.”