WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - A Wichita Falls mother is thanking the community after coming together for her special needs son after his bike was stolen.

Melissa Price said it was hard for her 11-year-old son, Carson, to come to terms with his bike being stolen. For any kid like Carson, riding a bike symbolizes freedom and a way to explore.

His mother said having his bike stolen on April 28 took his joy short-term, but they got the needed money the next day.

“It was my bike was stolen,” Carson said.

“He was pretty distraught about it, and he loves that bike; it’s one of his favorite items,” Melissa said.

She said Carson had earned the bike through the I Can Bike Camp, hosted by the American League.

She shared that he was born with Autism, ADHD, Adrenal Insufficiency, and Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum. Getting the bicycle from a camp was a huge milestone for the family. Understandably, she took her frustrations to social media.

“That wasn’t my intention at all, it was just to get help in locating it. If they seen it, then to let me know, but I’m so grateful everyone decided to pitch in,” she said.

With the help of the community, Melissa was able to purchase the same bike he previously had, market priced at $500.

“I was happy a new bike, I was excited,” Carson said.

After each bike ride is over, Carson and Melissa take the extra precautions to secure the new bike.

“Yeah, we have two locks for it, and it is not going anywhere out of sight now,” Melissa said.

She said seeing the community come together taught her and her son that despite inconveniences occurring, there are still kind people willing to lend a hand.