| Mia |
Mia floats by using a life jacket. 
Mia floats with help from children. 
Mia is surrounded by ThermoSpas waterfalls. 
Mia sports pigtails in front of her ThermoSpas hot tub. 
Mia floats in a water toy. Mia's Receives Extraordinary Present That Provides Welcome Pain Relief & a Chance to Walk SomedayWHO: Mia suffers from Rett Syndrome, a neurological disorder that has caused her to regress and lose abilities--such as the use of her hands--over time. There is no cure. WHAT: Mia's body becomes extremely stiff, causing terrible pain. This pain and stiffness inhibits her ability to sleep and move. Her doctor has prescribed aqua therapy, but spa treatment is not covered by her insurance and a therapeutic hot tub is not in her family's budget. But now, thanks to ThermoSpas, Mia will be able to experience the benefits of warm water therapy every day right in her own backyard. WHY: Rett Syndrome primarily affects females and causes them to lose abilities over time. It most commonly affects gross motor, fine motor and speech skills, along with other various medical symptoms such as seizures, breathing difficulties, feeding issues and spinal problems. Rett girls are aware of their surroundings; however they are most often developmentally delayed and will learn at a much slower pace than a normal functioning child. "Mia went through her regression stage between the ages of 12 to 18 months and then again at just after 2 years when she lost all purposeful use of her hands," explains her mother. "Mia has not gained the use of her hands back yet, but we have continued to HOPE that someday, she will be able to feed herself once again, as she did from about 1 to 2 years old." "Mia has never walked independently, but we believe that with the regular use of a ThermoSpa in combination with her physical therapy, that she would learn to do so. A hot tub would be the ultimate therapy for the stiffness Mia experiences in her body's inner core. In addition, Mia is happier when she is in warm water, it appears to calm her and relax her in such a way that her smile could make anyone's heart melt. When used on a regular basis, I feel Mia's entire body could relax and she could sleep more restfully each night," said her mother. A hot tub provides Mia 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. Mia adores her brand new ThermoSpa and she receives the ultimate therapy from the warm water that is available anytime she needs or wants it, right in our own backyard! She is able to both strengthen and relax her body's inner core while using the hot tub. The warm water relaxes her muscles and uplifts her spirits, which allows her body freedom of movement when in the water. Being in the water, Mia is able to feel her legs and arms and therefore she is making great progress on physically managing her own body movements and their range of motion. This is an extraordinary feat for Mia and we are so proud of her! Not only does Mia move more freely when using the Thermospa, she is more at rest and peaceful when lying in the warm water. Her favorite times are under the waterfalls letting the warm water cascade down her head and shoulders. Although nonverbal, Mia clearly shares her happiness of the Thermospa with her smile that melts your heart and those adorable raspberries that she can blow so very well! We are forever grateful for such a wonderful and fabulous gift that truly keeps on giving each and every time Mia uses it! The benefits of the new ThermoSpa for Mia are endless and will continue to improve the quality of her life each day! We thank you, and all those involved, for allowing Mia to reap the benefits of this truly amazing gift! It really is a special treat for Mia to have the ThermoSpa available, at all times, as the warm water relaxes her, calms her and soothes her total body, mind and spirit. Thank you! Michelle Z., Mia's mother |
