| Aubrei |
Aubrei and father enjoy the ThermoSpa hot tub together. 
Aubrei poses. 
Aubrei in ThermoSpas hot tub. 
Aubrei in ThermoSpas hot tub. 
Aubrei smiles for the camera. 
Aubrei in ThermoSpas hot tub.
Aubrei in ThermoSpas hot tub. Now Aubrei Receives Extraordinary Gift Which Makes Outdoor Fun with Her Friends an Everyday ThingWHO: 6-year-old Aubrei has Cerebral Palsy, which causes her muscles to tighten painfully. WHAT: When Aubrei first tried a hot tub, she was hooked immediately because it lessened the stiffness in her legs. While her doctor has prescribed aqua therapy, unfortunately spa treatment is no longer covered by her insurance and a therapeutic hot tub is not in her family's budget. But now, thanks to ThermoSpas, Aubrei is able to experience the benefits of warm water therapy every day right in her own backyard. WHY: Aubrei has CP, which affects her gross and fine motor skills. She walks but has very limited balance, an unsteady gait, and can fall easily. She has undergone 4 rounds of Botox injections to help loosen her muscles, but the effect of the Botox lessens with each dose. Twice she has had both legs placed in serial casts to try to loosen her muscles. "The heated water from a hot tub would help relax her muscles and lower the muscle tone. She loves bath time since the benefits of the hot water are so noticeable. She becomes more flexible after being in hot or warm water," said her mom. "Besides the medical benefits, Aubrei is like a fish. In water, she feels like a normal kid since she doesn't have to worry about falling, and her disability is not as noticeable." While muscle stiffness is a constant for Aubrei, her inability to participate in "kid stuff" like running in the yard and playing tag with friends can be even more heartbreaking. "Aubrei would love a hot tub for physical therapy, but it would also be a wonderful and safe social place for her to play with her friends," said her mom. "Aubrei is a ham and likes to be the center of attention. She won a trophy at a Halloween party for the cutest costume and now thinks she's a celebrity and says that she has to worry about the paparazzi. Her new thing is giving out her autograph to everyone who wants it," noted her mother. "She does not let her CP rule her life. She tries anything and has a positive outlook. I tell her that she can do anything that she wants to do. I don't know anybody like her and I'm so proud that she's my daughter." A hot tub provides aubrei with proven therapy:
Through its Seasons of Giving program, ThermoSpas donated a Triton Elite hot tub, which has 46 therapeutic jets and the "Ease of Use" commendation from the Arthritis Foundation. We've only had the hot tub for about a week and a half now, and already we can see such a difference in Aubrei. Her muscles seem much more relaxed from the hot water. We've used it many times already, sometimes more than once a day! Besides the improvement in Aubrei's muscle tone, it is helping her sleep better, which in turn helps her do better in school. We can't thank ThermoSpas enough for what they have done to help our family. It's heartwarming to know that there are companies out there that are really thinking of these kids and making their lives easy as possible.
Tracey & Kevin M., Aubrei's parents
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