Braxton , a boy with spina bifida , comes with his mom from a town west of Chicago , and will be establishing a schedule of visits and sessions . Through smiles and tears , Braxton ’ s mom recalls she saw her son ’ s strength double in weeks . It was heartwarming to witness him , in elastic straps connected to the “ cage ,” and either sitting or suspended in a swing , kicking a ball to knock pins down , squealing with joy at each strike .
His mom learned about Euro-Peds at an Abilities Expo event ; the family went home with information and a tentative plan for Braxton . “ There is a ‘ get it done ’ attitude here ,” she said . “ It definitely was a great decision to come to Euro-Peds .”
This “ piece of heaven ” as we have described might lead visitors to wonder – especially in a [ euphemism alert !] challenging environment of high budgets , insufficient insurance industry support , and sparse government assistance – how Euro- Peds makes ends meet . The situation has , of course , occurred to the managers of the National Center for Intensive Pediatric PT .
For those reasons , Euro-Peds , which is an LLC , has been partnered since 2013 with the
Euro-Peds Foundation , which is a 501 ( c )( 3 ) non-profit organization .
The Foundation raises funds and awards grants that help the kids receive life-altering intensive physical therapy and education at the Euro-Peds location in Pontiac . This is referred to as “ the first ” location , because to dream , properly , is to expand this unique treatment elsewhere .
Current Euro-Peds Foundation programs include :
• Treatment Grants – The Euro-Peds Foundation awards treatment grants to children who are receiving intensive physical therapy at the Euro-Peds Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy Clinic in Pontiac .
• Travel Grants – Many children travel with their families from out-of-state to attend Euro-Peds for sessions that last two to four weeks . Airfare , gas , hotel , and other travel expenses are not typically covered by insurance . The Foundation has established this program to help families with out-of-pocket , lodging expenses to help ease the financial burden .
• Adopt A Euro-Kid Program – At times , requests for grants may exceed the funds available through the treatment and travel grants . EPF is committed to helping every child , so the Foundation may choose to create an Adopt a Euro- Kid fundraising page . After reviewing the stories and needs of our Adopt A Euro- Kids , supporters may choose to donate to a specific child ’ s Euro-Peds session .
Euro-Peds operates on the unwritten basis that we humans are all one family , perhaps unlike each other superficially , but certainly alike in our common humanity , challenges , occasional disabilities , and our sympathies , needs and joys . Myself , after spending an afternoon at Euro-Peds in Pontiac , was reminded of these truths , and supposed that ’ s how heaven will be . But in the meantime , work is to be done here , and Euro-Peds is doing it in remarkable fashion .
It attends trade fairs like Abilities Expo . It has several excellent websites ( links below ) and reader-friendly literature . Its application forms are very uncomplicated . Its staff follows children home for follow-up therapy , provides letters of medical necessity when needed for reimbursements that might be available , and spreads the unique approach of care they pioneer .
Euro-Peds Foundation ’ s annual gala was held recently at the nearby Auburn Hills Marriott at Centerpoint – titled the “ First Step ” Gala . At 11:11:11 in the evening , $ 1,111 was awarded in a raffle , based on “ ONE child , ONE therapist , ONE opportunity for mobility , changing ONE life at a time .” There was live entertainment ; a presentation by Dr Partha Nandi of WXYZ- TV7 ; “ Pacesetter ” awards to the D-Man Foundation and the Gandee family , both of whom have supported the common goals of Euro-Peds ; and Marty Sheedy , a man born with multiple congenital deformities – a success story we shall visit in an upcoming issue of Innovative Health Magazine .
The cast and crew of ABC ’ s ground-breaking new series Speechless , about a child with CP and his family ; and Dr . Susan Youngs of the Center for Exceptional Families , were also honored . In addition , other children and their families were present and honored .
At the gala , as in their homes and neighborhoods after therapy , they displayed their amazing progress , and joy-filled selfconfidence . And growing independence .
I
One step at time . The National Center for Intensive Pediatric PT Euro-Peds Foundation 3000 Centerpoint Parkway Pontiac , MI 48341 www . europeds . org www . EuroPedsFoundation . org www . Facebook . com / EuroPedsIntensivePT
Michelle Haney , President , michelle @ europedsfoundation . org Clinic and patient application : 248.857.6776
27
InnovativeHealthMag . com