For the Liranzo family of Methuen, cycling is more than a way to exercise – it’s also a way to raise awareness about spina bifida.
On Aug. 24, the family sponsored the Where Smiles Meet Smiles Kinetic Ride where more than 70 cyclists rode up to 50 miles from Lawrence, North Andover, Haverhill and Newburyport. Joining the riders from the Merrimack Valley, the Boston area and as far as New Jersey were Dominican cycling champions Adderly Cruz Colon and Jeudy Liranzo and members of the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.
Spina bifida is a birth defect where a baby’s spinal cord fails to develop properly, leading to various degrees of disability.
Kamilah Liranzo, who lives with spina bifida, wanted to raise awareness and support others like her.
“When your child dreams of helping others, you do everything you can to make it a reality,” said Kamilah’s mother, Dahianara Liranzo.
Kamilah’s father Roberto is an avid cyclist and her brother Adonis leads 978 RunClub, a weekly running club which he started in 2024.
“The Kinetic Ride began with Kamilah’s vision and seeing the community come together to support families affected by spina bifida was nothing short of magical,” Dahianara said.
According to the Center for Disease Control, one in every 2,875 children is born with spina bifida.
“This was never just about cycling. It was about breaking barriers, celebrating diversity and showing our youngsters and our community that movement is for everyone,” Dahianara said.
Proceeds were donated to the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England. Organizers declined to say how much was raised.
