WHO: Grand Rapids, MI brothers David and Chip both suffer from Hunter Syndrome

WHAT: When David and Chip took water exercise classes, they were hooked immediately.  The water exercise soothed the brothers’ stiff and sore muscles and joints and allowed them to move about with less pain.   Unfortunately, their insurance would not continue to cover this treatment and the benefits faded.   Now, thanks to ThermoSpas, David and Chip will be able to experience the benefits of warm water therapy every day right in their own backyard.

WHY: David and Chip suffer from Hunter Syndrome, an MPS disorder that produces many physical and neurological problems.  The most painful of these problems is muscle and joint stiffness.

Not only does a hot tub provide David and Chip with a chance to move freely and play less painfully on their own, but it also offers proven therapy.  The benefits of hydrotherapy (warm water therapy) include:

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

Rose Pelton, OTR, contacted ThermoSpas in hopes of getting the boys’ wish granted.  According to Pelton, “As a pediatric occupational therapist, I am in contact with many children who would benefit from the use of heat modality for muscle relaxation, joint relaxation, joint laxity, antigravity strengthening and pain relief.  No family would benefit more than the Radius family to give the chance for longer, pain-reduced quality of lives.”

David and Chip live with their parents, Laurel and Steven, and their little sister Amy.

ThermoSpas donated and installed a Concord Spa, which is big enough to fit the whole family, yet still fit in their backyard.  It comes with 46 jets for therapy. 

"We would like to thank you again for giving us a ThermoSpa for our children. David and Chip have really benefited from this. The effects of being in the ThermoSpa are felt everyday. The warm water therapy helps ease their aches and pains in their bodies. They walk and move around much better after a dip in the tub. We are able to stretch their muscles after they have been in the ThermoSpa. They are much more relaxed and willing to do their therapy. They even sleep better at night since their muscles are relaxed. The time in the ThermoSpa is the highlight of their day. Steve and I feel that this has been a real blessing for the boys. Thank you again."

Laurel R., mother of David & Chip
September 3, 2003