Will Gets a New Set of Wheels

It has been an exciting year for Will Myers. From meeting an actual astronaut to receiving a tricycle adapted to his personal needs, the soon-to-be sixth grader is living to his fullest!

Will has always excelled at science and mathematics, having a particular obsession with space. In March, he was selected for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) award from WGRZ. As one of two STEM Stars of the Month, Will was able to virtually meet with an astronaut from NASA. He asked questions and listened to stories from astronaut Doug Wheelcock, who spent time at the International Space Station. This special moment was captured by WGRZ for a feature news segment.

Tammy Drayer, Will’s Care Coordinator at Person Centered Services is proud to support such an extraordinary young man with autism. “Will has a special place in my heart,” she says. “He is always full of fun surprises!”

Recently, Tammy connected Will and his family to a donated AmTryke tricycle. It was repaired and reupholstered at a local bike shop. Will loves riding around on his new set of wheels. The tricycle is a perfect fit for his abilities, keeping him safe and secure while looking stylish and sleek. It even boasts his favorite color: red.

“I’m grateful to everyone who made this possible,” says Tammy. She credits Richelle Pratt, secretary at Person Centered Services’ Jamestown location, Rich Bianco of Exceptional Stars Athletics, and Randy Marsh of Jamestown Cycle Shop for getting the AmTryke ready for Will.

“We never could have gotten this on our own,” says Will’s mother, Brandi. “Tammy has been a lifesaver. She’s been there for both of us. She even checks in on me! It really means a lot. I can’t thank her enough for her work.”

Outside of riding his Amtryke, Will also has other great outlets for his boundless energy. He is very active, industrious, and creative. Will uses recycled items, from cardboard boxes to detergent bottles, to make pirate ships, rockets, robots, dinosaurs, dragons, and more. Once he even tried to build a teleport machine so he could automatically visit his best friend!

Will also brings his trademark energy to his work with Exceptional Stars Athletics (ESA), where he participates in many sports and activities. He has been linked to a “big brother” named Patrick, who is a role model and mentor for Will. Patrick had a special cap signed for Will by all the members of the local Tarp Skunks baseball team to show his appreciation for his mentee.

Brandi is thrilled to see her son thriving in so many areas of his life. “He’s come a long way in the last few years,” she says.

Person Centered Services is there to help people like Will reach his potential, connecting them to the care, support and opportunities that maximize their quality of life. We are eager to see what lies ahead for Will!