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"My name is Amanda, I am 17 years old, and I live in New Jersey. I was born with CP and spent my whole life working hard in therapy, and as a result, I didn't use any assistive devices (ex: wheelchair, crutches, or walker.) Although, 3 years ago I got a virus called transverse myelitis (a virus that inflames your spinal cord in a matter of a few hours) which made me become paralyzed from the chest down. I was told that I would probably never walk again. I have tried to rebuild my life and body to everything that I was used to doing before I got sick, however I never gave up. Although today I walk with crutches I still strive to regain all that I had.
For the past 2 years I have flown down to Florida to have intensive therapy including cage and suit therapy at Pediatric Therapy Associates (PTA). Before I got there for the first time I thought it would be totally different then it was. I thought that I would just have a bunch of strange faces staring at me, but instead I was welcomed so warmly and I really felt like they were helping me. I loved that they treated me as if I was actually the main part of it, because when most people see me they direct all the questions to my mother as if I'm incapable or invisible. My first time that I went was the summer of 2007, and I went for 2 weeks and really wanted to stay an extra week because I was seeing how much progress that I was making, unfortunately I had to leave because I was starting school. In the beginning of this summer (2008) I decided that instead of going on a family vacation I was going to come back to PTA for 3 weeks. At the end of those 3 weeks I decided that in order not to lose what I had gained over those 3 weeks, and I was going to find long weekends that I could take off from school in order to come back to PTA. But as soon as got home from the 3 weeks I already could see a huge difference, I didn't have to have my mother drive me to the bus stop which was 4 blocks away (i.e.: my endurance was better), I was standing straighter, and I could see that certain muscles were significantly stronger. I knew that I had to go back to PTA as soon as I could so that I would continue to see myself improving. So two weeks ago I approached my parents and asked if since my 17th birthday was coming up, as a present to me (and my body) can I fly to Florida for 6 days. After a lot of convincing they agreed but they couldn't come with me, so I came alone. I was welcomed with open arms by them and the staff always made me feel as if I were at home.
Since I have been at PTA for a while I have seen a lot of kids in the office. PTA treats every child as an individual and understands that no two people are the same. They take the time to get to know your child, his or hers challenges, and his or hers goal. They will do everything in their power to help. At PTA it feels like one big family!"
Amanda Parker, New Jersey
"My son Jake contracted meningitis at 7 days old. As a result of
this, he has cerebral palsy. The doctors told us there wasn't
much hope for Jake- that he would have 'profound neurological
impairments'. When Jake started coming to PTA for intensive
therapy, he did not have full head control. He is now 4.5 and
starting to use a reverse walker. He has gone from barely being
able to make a sound to now being able to approximate 75 words.
Jake always makes measurable gains after an intensive at PTA.
We continue to implement the strategies used during the intensives
at home with our therapists so he can continue to make gains."
Michelle O'Rourke, Jake's mom, Massachusetts
"I have immeasurable respect for Pediatric Therapy Associates.
They have... the very best group of therapists to be found
anywhere. Our twin grandchildren (were born) thirteen weeks preterm deeming them micro-preemies. Both children were diagnosed with CP, one of them more significantly involved than the other. (Their) parents sought the advice of many different therapists. Exceptional therapy is quickly recognizable. They are providing Ashley, through her Therapy Intensives, the very best
opportunity to develop to her greatest potential. Without the
people at PTA, she would not be the person she is."
Sandy Stansbury, Ashley's grandmother, Bradenton, FL
"We flew down from our home in Manhattan and our son, Max, then 2 and diagnosed with CP, saw (the therapist) for intensive
sessions... Max thrived. The facility is diverse and filled with
great equipment... his physical movement appreciably improved --
he was confident and flexible in a way he had not been
previously. We are heading down again for visit number two next month!"
Harriet Barovick, Max's mom
"Our seventeen year old son incurred a traumatic brain injury and
has received four intensive therapy sessions... We have seen
demonstrable, measurable progress from these sessions. The
therapists have also provided written evaluations of the progress
with specific recommendations for continued therapy after we left
their clinic... Our son has received new and innovative
therapeutic methods and strategies that have been very helpful...We have seen a number of clinics and therapists during our son's seven years plus recovery period. It is our opinion that PTA is one of the premier private pediatric clinics in the United
States."
Mike and Rebecca O'Rear, Michaels's parents
"The team approach has to be one of the most beneficial assets
that PTA provides. Therapists from each discipline (PT/OT/ST)
communicate/consult with each other about my daughter's
individual needs - not because they have to, but because they
really care..."
Carol Lloyd, Emily's mom
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