Staff photo / Chris McBride Volunteers assemble custom-designed vehicles for children with mobility impairments Friday inside of the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center for the “Go Baby Go” event set Saturday.

CANFIELD — On Saturday morning, children at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center will rev up their toy car engines with excitement as children with mobility impairments were gifted power wheel vehicles, custom-designed to fit their individual needs.

In its 9th year, the “Go Baby Go” event turned the spotlight on inclusivity and fun, empowering both children and parents alike.

Bev Lankitus, organizer, shared the event’s impact, revealing that since its inception, it has provided 154 modified cars to families.

“It’s been a journey of joy and transformation,” Lankitus said.

Friday saw volunteers immersed in the creative process, meticulously designing and rewiring the vehicles to cater to each child’s unique requirements. It was a community effort putting the cars together, and students from MCCTC were there lending a hand, as several of them also designed custom license plates for children decked out in their favorite cartoon characters.

Brent Kelley, of Poland, as he put the finishing touches on a vehicle, said he has been volunteering his time with the organization ever since his own handicapped daughter received one of the specialized vehicles when she was younger. He placed a big red button in the middle of the vehicle’s console, which will serve as a means for the rider to press to put the car in motion.

Lankitus explained the cars themselves usually cost about $150 to $250. After factoring in the electric switches, seating supports, Lankitus said the total creeps up to about $400.

Drawing inspiration from a version of the event at Cleveland State University, Lankitus recalled the leap of faith that ignited the pilot program in Mahoning County.

“We started with just six cars, then we grew to 10, 12 and up since then,” she said.

Lankitus said credit for the idea goes to Dr. Cole Galloway, an associate professor at the University of Delaware.

But behind the wires and circuits lies a deeper purpose. Lankitus shared her heartfelt motivation, emphasizing her desire to ensure every parent’s child feels loved and valued.

“I think sometimes these kids can be marginalized and people can look at them and make assumptions,” Lankitus said. “But when people see them out in the community and driving around these cars and laughing and interacting, it just opens up opportunities for socialization to kids as well as their parents.”

Setting up the cars on day one is no small feat. From personalized seat belts to specially designed seats, each modification is tailored to enhance comfort and safety. “It’s all about giving these kids the freedom to explore and play,” Lankitus said.

Megan Osborne, whose daughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, participated in the event a few years ago.

“She was super excited about that and when we got to take it home, she was just driving all around our yard,” she said. “It was so cool because she isn’t really able to walk in the grass and go out and enjoy the yard, but this was a really cool way for her to be out and about.”

Osborne’s journey as a parent of a child with disabilities has been one of resilience and hope. She shared words of encouragement, urging other parents not to let labels define their children’s potential.

“There’s a lot of people out there who want to help and encourage you and let you know you’re not meant to do this journey alone and to not be afraid to embrace the people that really want to help you because there are some pretty amazing people out there,” Osborne said.

Now 8, Osborne said her daughter is in a place today that nobody would have expected years ago, especially after she underwent a major surgery two years ago.

But Today, Osborne said she now watches in awe at her daughter and how she’s come out on the other side stronger than before.

“She’s pretty inspiring,” her mother said.

She thanked Lankilus, and John and Denise Hirschbeck, founders of the Magic of Michael Foundation.

The foundation established by John and Denise Hirschbeck in honor of their sons, John and Michael, was born out of their own experience raising children with physical ailments. Their foundation not only supports initiatives like “‘Go Baby Go” but also actively contributes to sponsoring such events. The couple said they have been supporting the event for approximately seven years as they aim to inspire and bring joy to children facing adversity.

For the Hirschbecks, “Go Baby Go” is more than just a day of festivities; it’s a heartfelt tribute to children that face physical disabilities like their late sons.

“To witness the pure joy on these children’s faces as they take the wheel — it means everything to us,” John said. The couple experienced the loss of their son John in 1992 at the age of 8, followed by Michael’s passing in April 2014 at the age of 27. Both sons had battled adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare neurological disease.

“After Michael’s passing, we felt compelled to honor both our boys’ legacies and give back to the community, offering support to others facing similar struggles,” John explained.

Alongside their daughter, Erin Streb, and her husband, the Hirschbecks were present on-site Friday, actively involved in preparing for the event scheduled the following morning.

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