AMBUCS closes in on 50th anniversary

The Edmond chapter of AMBUCS is gearing up to celebrate a remarkable milestone—50 years of service to the Edmond community in 2026. Founded on the mission to inspire mobility and independence, the all volunteer group has spent decades changing lives through adaptive tricycles (Amtrykes), wheelchair ramps, and community projects.

This past year, Edmond AMBUCS gave away 50 Amtrykes—the most ever in the chapter’s history— and built six wheelchair ramps for residents in Edmond and surrounding communities. These efforts provide vital mobility solutions for children and adults who need them most.

On a national level, AMBUCS awarded $250,000 in scholarships to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology students.

Locally, the Edmond chapter awarded $6000 in scholarships, including the Pete & Kathy Reeser Scholarship presented to a Langston University student at a recent AMBUCS meeting.

Raising funds for these projects is a true community effort. The chapter hosts two major fundrais-

ers each year: Trivia Night and the Golf for Mobility Tournament, with proceeds going directly toward Amtrykes and wheelchair ramp construction.

Edmond AMBUCS members also celebrated a special national honor in July when Terry Lanham, a 25-year member of the club, was sworn in as National Big Hat President at the AMBUCS National Conference in Des Moines, Iowa.

“I joined 25 years ago when Leah Kessler decided to retire and told me I was going to represent the Edmond Sun at AMBUCS—it was the best assignment I was ever given,” said Lanham. “Serving in many positions over the years, I am now happy to serve as the National Big Hat President and travel to as many clubs and regional conferences throughout the U.S. as I possibly can to present a President Visitation Patch.”

The group is also turning its focus to an important community treasure: the AMBUCS Playground in Mitch Park, which turns 25 this year. Originally built in partnership with the City of Edmond Parks & Recreation Department, the playground has reached the end of its life and must be rebuilt from

the ground up. Plans are underway to create a $1 million inclusive playground where children of all abilities can play side by side.

Edmond AMBUCS meets Fridays at noon at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Nigh University Center’s Cherokee Room for lunch and a guest speaker. A monthly dinner social is also held on the third Tuesday of each month.

The organization welcomes new members of all ages—from those just starting their careers to recent retirees. Community members interested in volunteering, donating, or joining can visit the chapter’s Facebook page, www.edmondambucs.org, or email edmond.ambucs@gmail.com for more information.

About Edmond AMBUCS

Edmond AMBUCS is a local chapter of National AMBUCS, a nonprofit service organization dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities. The group provides Amtryke adaptive tricycles, builds wheelchair ramps, and supports local and national scholarships for therapy students.