Wheels on the James

Wheels on the James University of Lynchburg DPT Student-Led Organization. Dedicated to creating mobility & independence Each custom designed cycle is purchased through AMBUCS.

The Wheels on the James was started in April 2011 by Nancy Wellons and a board of seven other people. Nancy wanted to pass forward one of the many kindnesses shown to her son, Cpt. James Howard, army retired, who sustained a spinal cord injury from a diving accident at age 28 leaving him a quadriplegic. James received a therapeutic cycle from an AMBUCS chapter in Lubbock, Texas in a bike ride spon

sored for disabled veterans and others. The Little Red Dog Foundation Chapter, Beaufort, SC also provided customized cycles at the event. The Wheels on the James's mission is to help disabled children, teens, adults, wounded warriors, and schools with special needs students in Lynchburg, VA, and the surrounding areas receive similar cycles. For the recipients, these donated cycles will open doors to independence, mobility, and recreational exercise. Because of James receiving a therapeutic cycle and Lynchburg being located on the James River, the board decided to name our chapter of AMBUCS, WHEELS ON THE JAMES. AMBUCS is a national 501(c)(3)organization that shares the mission to provide cycles for the mobility challenged. Our work would not be possible without the help and compassion of our local community. Our board members include Nancy Wellons, founder and president, Dr. Karen Zylstra, vice president and physical therapist, Mr. Gene Davis, treasurer, Captain Heather Childress of Lynchburg Fire Department, secretary, Dr. Mary Swiggum, physical therapist and Lynchburg College faculty member, Dr. John Howard, dentist at Central Virginia Family Dentistry, Mrs. Dana Koenig, Special Needs Director at the Laurel School, Mr. Louis Alvey,Veteran Peer Specialist, Mr. Jamey Parks, Parks Properties LLC and National College faculty member, Mrs. Leslie Davis, retired math teacher, and Rebecca Waggoner, local Mental Health Counselor. A Heartfelt thanks goes to Joe and Danelle Copeland of National AMBUCS in High Point, AMBUCS and Anne Guthrie with the Little Red Dog Foundation for their encouragement and support throughout our beginning stages. We would also like to thank Dr. John Howard for jump starting Wheels on the James by donating our first bikes.

Another great day serving our community - bike repairs and giveaways led by our second-year DPT students! 🚲🛠️✨
04/18/2026

Another great day serving our community - bike repairs and giveaways led by our second-year DPT students! 🚲🛠️✨

Three successful giveaways to kickoff the spring semester!! 🚲⭐️ 🎉 We’re so happy to share these moments with some amazin...
02/07/2026

Three successful giveaways to kickoff the spring semester!! 🚲⭐️ 🎉 We’re so happy to share these moments with some amazing kiddos!

Wheels on the James will be participating in the 12th annual Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, October 25th from 9am to ...
10/17/2025

Wheels on the James will be participating in the 12th annual Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, October 25th from 9am to 12pm! Come out in your best costume to support kids with special needs and hand out candy! We hope to see you there! 🎃👻🕸️

Another Spring giveaway! 🌸 So happy we could with Bentlee!
04/03/2025

Another Spring giveaway! 🌸 So happy we could with Bentlee!

Great time at Starr Hill this past Friday! Thank you for all the donations! ♥️
03/23/2025

Great time at Starr Hill this past Friday! Thank you for all the donations! ♥️

Friday fun building a bike for the kids! 😊
02/07/2025

Friday fun building a bike for the kids! 😊

Henry went home today with his new tryke and he couldn’t be more excited! So happy to share this with him! 😆
02/05/2025

Henry went home today with his new tryke and he couldn’t be more excited! So happy to share this with him! 😆

Wheels on the James is a community service group run by students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the Univer...
11/20/2024

Wheels on the James is a community service group run by students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Lynchburg. The mission of Wheels on the James is to help disabled children, teens, adults, wounded warriors, and schools with special needs students in the greater Lynchburg area receive adaptive tricycles. These specialized bikes can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 and will open doors to independence, mobility, recreation, and exercise for our recipients. With your support, Wheels on the James continues to drive change and promote independence in our community.

By making a tax-deductible donation, you’re not just contributing financially; you’re investing in hope and opportunity for countless individuals and families. Your generosity helps ensure that everyone has access to the resources and services they require to thrive.

We would love it if you could come together to support Wheels on the James and make a meaningful difference. Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a vital role in our mission. Thank you for considering this opportunity to give back and uplift our community.

With gratitude,
Wheels on the James

Wheels on the James is a community service group run by students in the Doctor of Ph… AJ Slay needs your support for Provide adaptive bikes for people in need

A great time today being apart of Ryan’s giveaway!
11/15/2024

A great time today being apart of Ryan’s giveaway!

Swing by Nautical Bowls November 19th for another WOTJ fundraiser!
11/13/2024

Swing by Nautical Bowls November 19th for another WOTJ fundraiser!

Address

Lynchburg, VA
24502

Telephone

+14345448886

Website

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