Detroit mourns sudden death of disabled cyclist

From the Detroit Free Press:

If passion, heart and the ability to inspire others are character traits used to measure success in life, then Kevin Degen (pictured) served as a shining example.

A cycling enthusiast who was handicapped since birth, Mr. Degen demonstrated a lifelong passion for the sport while pedaling thousands of miles each year -- rain or shine -- to help raise money for charity.

Mr. Degen died suddenly August 11. The Lathrup Village resident was 52.

"He was truly a motivational figure to me and the many other people he encountered during his lifetime," his brother Sean Degen said.

He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, and doctors held out little hope that he would lead a normal life. As a means of therapy, his parents bought him a tricycle and the die was cast.

"His bicycle was his freedom," said his brother.

Unemployed the last couple of years, Mr. Degen worked for Plante & Moran in Southfield in the graphics and printing department until 2007. Previously, he worked in the mailroom for AlliedSignal Friction Materials in Southfield.

Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Degen was an Olympic torch bearer for the 1996 Atlanta games and was inducted into the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame in 2001.

Born in Indianapolis, Mr. Degen was raised in Birmingham and graduated from Groves High School in 1978.

During high school, he began riding to raise money for nonprofit agencies that help people with disabilities in Michigan.

Over the years, Mr. Degen raised more than $150,000 for charities, including the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"He had such a bright spirit that if you met him, you couldn't help but fall in love with him," said Elana Sullivan, president of the Michigan chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. "He became an icon on our rides, and people learned a lot about disability while watching Kevin. At the end of each ride, he always crossed the finish line with a huge smile on his face and people cheering. We can't imagine a ride without him."

Able to use only the left side of his body, he rode an adapted three-wheeler with all the gears on the left and the right crankshaft cut off. He wore special shoes that clipped into the pedal and let his right foot hang to give him momentum while pedaling with his left.

Besides his brother, survivors include another brother, Brian; sisters Colleen Goodson and Maureen Degen, and many nieces and nephews.