Meet Rick and Maddy Van Beek of Byron Center, Michigan. Rick is a pretty ordinary guy and not much of an athlete, although he has been making some changes in the past few years. He stopped using tabacco, he began running and he has been partaking in lots of races - but there is something unusual with how he does it.
Maddy is a 13 year old girl with severe cerebral palsy. She can't walk, talk or do most things that kids her age can do. Enjoying life is a challenge for Maddy.
However, there one thing her parents know that really makes Maddy happy. She enjoys being outside and feeling the breeze in her hair and in her face. Because of this, Rick decided to take his running to the next level... and bring Maddy along!
Rick pushes his daughter in a buggy, pulls her in a special bike when it comes to cycling and pulls her through the water in a custom-made kayak. They named themselves "Team Maddy" and they have participated in more than 70 triathlons, half-marathons and other outdoor races.
Rick has certainly earned the title of Super Dad! It is so heartwarming to see a parent so concerned for the well being and happiness of their child, that they would go absolutely above and beyond... and even run some triathlons. :)