Confessions of a ThermoSpas Employee

At ThermoSpas we love giving back and being involved in our local communities…our Seasons of Giving program allows us to do just that. Seasons of Giving helps children in need all year-round, and embodies ThermoSpas’ philosophy of “turning water into therapy”.

Through Seasons of Giving ThermoSpas donates specially designed therapeutic hot tubs to children with chronic or critical illnesses. Seasons of Giving hopes to lessen the pain and enhance the lives of as many children as possible.

Initially, the program provided hot tub therapy to one child a season or four per year, hence the name. Beginning this year, Seasons of Giving will donate 12 hot tubs—one a month—to children who require warm water for therapy, pain management, freedom of movement and fun. If you know someone who may be a good candidate for Seasons of Giving contact us directly through our website, http://www.thermospas.com/SOG/how_apply.php and nominate a child in need today.

Kaitlyn, a fourth grader from Willis, VA recently received The Healing Spa™ through Seasons of Giving. Kaitlyn suffers from MPS VI, a rare genetic disease that affects the metabolism, and has undergone surgery to improve alignment of her long bones. She has also had to undergo a bone marrow transplant and numerous other painful procedures. She has an extremely difficult time bending and experiences recurrent pain and headaches caused by muscle and joint stiffness. From the first time she floated in a hotel hot tub, Kaitlyn was hooked. The eleven-year-old, who is in almost constant pain, had never felt such ease of movement before. Not only does a hot tub provide Kaitlyn with a chance to move and play freely on her own, but it also offers proven therapy:

• Muscle relaxation, which can reduce muscle spasms
• Decreased gravity, which increases control
• Improved trunk control, balance and coordination
• Increased mobility and range of motion
• Increased strength and endurance

“Kaitlyn is very small for her age and soon will be facing growth hormone shots. This will enhance her joint pain, as headaches and joint pain are a side effect,” said Kathy, Kaitlyn’s physical therapist, “The hot tub would be excellent for pain management, range of motion exercise and strengthening.” The hot tub ThermoSpas donated and installed for Kaitlyn, The Healing Spa™, is the first hot tub to be designed with the Arthritis Foundation specifically for people with muscle and joint pain. It features a special child seat and 69 therapy jets.

I’m so inspired by all of the children who benefit from Seasons of Giving!! I’ll be featuring our monthly donations here on the blog and sharing a lot more inspirational stories with you!