Mathew shows a big smile.

Mathew and Dad enjoy thier ThermoSpas hot tub.

Mathew and his Mom.

Mathew floats in his ThermoSpas hot tub.

Now Matthew Receives Extraordinary Gift Which Makes Outdoor Fun with His Friends an Everyday Thing

WHO: 10-year-old Matthew suffers from Cerebral Palsy, which causes his muscles to tighten painfully. He is confined to a wheelchair.

WHAT: Several times every night, Matthew wakes up crying because his legs hurt so much. His doctor has prescribed aqua therapy, but the facilities are just too far away and a therapeutic hot tub is not covered by insurance. But now, thanks to ThermoSpas, Matthew will be able to experience the benefits of warm water therapy every day right in his own backyard.

WHY: In a letter to ThermoSpas, Matthew's mother explains: "Matthew has CP. It affects his legs and arms, but the pain is enough to make anyone cry. I stay up at night when he cries about the pain in his legs. That is the hardest thing in the world to not be able to make it better and make the pain stop."

While pain is a constant for Matthew, his inability to participate in "kid stuff" like running in the yard and roughhousing with friends can be even more heartbreaking. "We try to get him outside as much as possible, but there is only so much he can do. He would like to be with the other kids, but they run and play so he is once again alone. He is mainly with adults. He needs to be with kids," states Matthew's mom.

A hot tub provides Mathew with proven therapy:

• 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

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.