Young woman with special needs experiences awesome day at Peloton in New York

AVON, Conn. (WTNH) – The sense of love and acceptance at Avon eatery BeanZ & Co. – which employs those of all abilities – is well-known.

But recently, the co-owner’s daughter and inspiration for BeanZ, Megan- a young woman with Down syndrome- had a dream come true.

“During COVID, I really wanted to start exercising at home,” explained Megan’s mom Kim.

So, the Morrisons became a Peloton family.

Megan followed the workout on a treadmill.

She became a big fan of instructor Matty Maggiacomo. When friend Crystal Byrne was headed to Peloton’s headquarters in New York City, she brought along a present from Megan.

“I said, ‘Oh, I’ve got a great idea. Let’s send him an Everyone Belongs t-shirt. We did, we put it in a bag, Megan wrote a personalized note,” Kim said.

That gesture prompted a sweet video back from Matty.

“Just seeing her see him doing that for her was so great, she was so excited,” said Crystal of Avon.

That exchange led to a bigger surprise for the 26-year-old: an April trip to the Big Apple!

“We’re walking, we’re looking at the entrance and all of a sudden there he is, it was like magic, they just hugged forever,” Kim said.

“She’s so funny, so smart, has an amazing sense of humor. We have a really special relationship now, so, I’m honored to be called her friend,” Matty said.

The workout group used hashtag #EveryoneBelongs as an homage to BeanZ & Co.

Over the years, Kim has worried about her daughter’s chance to experience fitness and community but this day had it all.

“It makes me so proud of her,” Kim said.

“It was just pure joy,” added Crystal.

Megan has had a tracheostomy since she was 4-months-old but manages to communicate effectively through a mix of sign language and charisma.

She’s an awesome woman with an awesome mom who is still smiling about her awesome day.

“It was good, I was so happy, it was so good,” Megan said.

“It was really just one of my top five favorite days ever. It’s hard to explain but it was so awesome,” Kim said.

The Morrisons are keeping in touch with Matty and hope he’ll visit BeanZ one day.

And he tells us he’s on board!