Dublin Boy With Rare Disease Gets Special Bike

DUBLIN, CA — A Dublin boy who suffers from a rare genetic disease recently took his first bike ride with his dad thanks to the generosity of the community. In August, friends organized the "Wheel for Wheels" fundraiser in order to help buy 13-year-old Gabriel Peninella a special $6,000 bike so he could explore the world with his father, who is an avid bicyclist.

The Cottonwood Creek student suffers from L1 Cam Syndrome, a rare genetic disease which affects 1 in 30,000 boys. L1 Cam Syndrome prevents Gabriel from being fully mobile, according to his family.

The bike took about two months to arrive and then it was assembled for Gabriel to enjoy.

Photos courtesy Sherri Scott