Christmas comes early for one local child
Staff Report
Opelika-Auburn News
Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Alex Schwarz, 5, of Beulah leaves his wheelchair behind to take a ride in his new adapted tricycle which was presented to him Monday by the Billy Stelpflug Detachment of the Marine Corps League.

The group, which is made up of retired Marines and those who have been honorably discharged, raised money to buy the tricycle through the sale of Marine Corps League roses. In total, the detachment has purchased four tricycles.

They gave one away to a girl in Chambers County earlier this year and have the other two in storage waiting for children. Deborah Dunbar of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services in Opelika helps the group find recipients.

Alex, who is the son of Danielle and Brad Schwarz, was born with tethered spinal cord syndrome. His excitement was evident as he gave his new wheels a try Monday morning. "I can do a donut," Alex said.

Ellie