Mati Weiss is almost 16 years old. She uses a wheelchair due to paralysis of her lower body after a tumor in her spine at the age of 1. She had intense rehabilitation at the ALYN Children's Hospital in Jerusalem where she developed independence in all areas thanks to treatments in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and hydrotherapy. The staff at Alyn introduced Mati to the bike riding group "The Swift and the Bold", which is comprised of kids who have done rehab at the Alyn Hospital. Since age 8 Mati has been biking with the group, which joins the hundreds of athletes who ride the annual Wheels of Love ride to benefit the hospital. The "Swift and the Bold" join for a few days of the week long ride every year.
This year 2023 Mati has taken upon herself to ride the whole week with Wheels of Love!
She has been training throughout the whole year with the help of her trainer Ohad Tanami and her devoted father Dubi. Together, "Team Mati" set a goal to raise a considerable sum to benefit the Alyn Hospital as a sign of appreciation for all they do for Mati and for the thousands of children under their care.