WHO: Twelve-year-old Nicole from Williston Park, NY suffers from cerebral palsy (CP)

WHAT: When Nicole first floated in her Uncle Vinnie’s hot tub, she was hooked immediately.  The twelve-year-old is confined to a wheelchair and had never felt such freedom of movement before.  Thanks to ThermoSpas, Nicole is now able to experience that freedom every day right in her own backyard.

WHY:  Nicole was a “preemie” and was diagnosed with CP and a seizure disorder at birth.  She has undergone a number of surgeries to correct multiple orthopedic problems and must take numerous medications to reduce the spasticity in her upper and lower extremities. 

Not only does The Healing Spa provide Nicole with a chance to move and play freely on her own, but it also offers proven therapy.  Benefits 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

According to Angela Bruno-Carron, PT, “Warm water therapy prior to her stretching program would increase Nicole’s muscle flexibility.”  It is also hoped that the muscle relaxing effect of the hot tub may allow Nicole to discontinue her Baclofen medication.

ThermoSpas donated the first Healing Spa manufactured to Nicole.  Designed in collaboration with The Arthritis Foundation, The Healing Spa provides warm water therapy for people with severe muscle and joint pain and is the first hot tub ever to receive the Arthritis Foundation’s “Ease of Use” Commendation.  It features a special child seat, 69 therapy jets and easy-to-use knobs and handrails.

Nicole lives with her parents, her sister Alyssa (9) and her brother Frank (7).  She is known as “the friendliest girl in town” as she loves being outside at the park and never misses the chance to say “hi” to anyone who passes by.