Anyone who ever meets Gabriel Wittkowski, 5, never forgets him, especially girls.

He has a spinal defect, and he's been loved a lot in his life. So he loves everybody right back.

The boy has been a patient of Dr. Kevin Murphy, and he's one of hundreds of children Murphy sees in Bismarck, when he comes to Medcenter One Rehabilitation Services once a month.

Over the years, Murphy has made recommendations for Gabriel's care that have improved the boy's physical ability and quality of life.

"He has helped a lot with his legs and hip," said Gabriel's mom, Diane, of Bismarck. Helping is just what Murphy does, because he knows that kids like Gabriel, and those with disabilities like cerebral palsy, mostly want a chance to do as much as they can, just like all kids do.

Years ago, Murphy suggested that the rehab staff copy a good idea he had seen in Canada, a stationary bike race to raise money for kids with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

The idea took off and, on April 14, the 11th annual Great American Bike Race will be held in the armory building at the Bismarck State College campus.

Murphy, who is specially trained in pediatric rehabilitation medicine, has never missed a ride. He'll be there this year.

The money that's raised helps buy equipment and drugs for the kids, or helps cover where insurance leaves off. It keeps families out of that gray and frustrating zone where a doctor says their child needs this piece of equipment, or that service, and insurance says, "No can do."

While there is no cure for Gabriel's spinal defect, or for the two to three children out of 1,000 born with cerebral palsy, there is help. And there have been advances.

A computer-driven body imaging program helps target very specific muscle alignments that, if surgically released, improve coordination and mobility.

Botox injections relax muscles, too, and so does the Baclofan pump that some of Murphy's patients wear.

For a lot of reasons - including events like the Great American Bike Race, which between volunteers, riders and people who donate, involves 10,000 people - Murphy says kids with disabilities like cerebral palsy are better off than they used to be.

There are more services, more handicapped access, more mainstreaming in schools and more advocates. Often, that means that people meet them and, like with Gabriel, don't forget them.

Murphy says he looks forward to the Great American Bike Race because it lets him and anyone who participates become part of the kids' families for just one day.

Diane Wittkowski said she used to wonder why, after four healthy boys, along came Gabriel.

"I know why he (Gabriel) was given to me. I don't take as much for granted," Diane Wittkowski said. "He smiles, and he doesn't think he's any different. He's amazing."

(Reach reporter Lauren Donovan at 888-303-5511 or lauren@westriv.com.)