About ThermoSpas Seasons of Giving ThermoSpa's Seasons of Giving Update - Nick N.
| ThermoSpa's Seasons of Giving Update - Nick N. |
Nick and his father enjoy the ThermoSpa hot tub together. 
Nick splashes the water in his Healing Spa. 
Nick gives his father a kiss. Nick Receives an Extraordinary Gift From ThermoSpasWHO: 3-year-old Nick of Catonsville, MD suffers from cerebral palsy (CP) WHAT: When Nick goes to the local pool with his mother, he cries because he does not want to get out. Constantly suffering from stiffly taut muscles, the 3-year-old receives some relief while in the water. Little Nick is unable to crawl well or walk at all and the water buoyancy allows him a freedom of movement he is unable to find anywhere else. Now, thanks to ThermoSpas, Nick is able to experience that freedom right in his backyard. WHY: Nick’s parents, Chris & Maria Nauman, believed they were unable to have children and adopted Nick from Ukraine when he was 9-months-old. The little blond bundle weighed only 9 lbs., due primarily to an exclusive diet of borscht, and had a number of health problems. The couple knew as soon as they met him at the orphanage in Kiev that Nick was to be their son. “I knew there was no way we were leaving him there,” said Chris. “He was our dream come true,” said Maria. Unfortunately, Nick suffered from one health problem that American doctors could not cure, CP. According to Nick’s pediatrician, Eric Crawford, M.D., “The use of water/heat modality for muscle relaxation, joint relaxation, joint laxity, and antigravity strengthening would be very beneficial for him (Nick).” It also is hoped that the muscle relaxing effect of a hot tub may allow Nick to gain better flexibility and control of his own muscles and avoid medication. Not only does the donated Healing Spa™ provide Nick with a chance to move and play freely on his own, but it also offers proven therapy. Benefits include: ThermoSpas donated one of the first Healing Spas™ manufactured to Nick. 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 and 69 therapy jets. Nick will share his Healing Spa™ with his new sister Grace (who was a special, unexpected surprise to his parents).
“Now, Nick’s water therapy is no longer sporadic, it is daily and consistent. The result is increased intensity and effectiveness. It also helps that the therapy is in a very comfortable environment – his own backyard! Another unanticipated benefit is that the ThermoSpa, because Nick loves it and wants to use it so much, has added another link in communicating with him. He has learned a number of new words and questions as a result of his use of the spa. We talk about it all the time! Finally, once Nick has been in the spa, he is much more limber and flexible and ready to go further in his physical therapy. He is able to practice trying to walk and go much further than he would otherwise. THANK YOU, for all the marvelous work you have done on Nick's behalf!!! As a *DIRECT* result of the spa therapy, Nick's muscles are significantly more relaxed when we "work out" with him after time spent in the spa. Know that YOU personally have touched a very special child's life and made a BIG difference for him! May God bless you in the same measure in return!”
Maria N, Nick’s mother "The ThermoSpa hot tub has helped Nick's physical abilities immensely. The warm water therapy provides a deep relaxation for his muscles that we cannot otherwise achieve. He also can remain in the hot tub for as long as necessary, as opposed to a pool. In a pool, no matter how 'heated' or 'sun-warmed' it is, the water inevitably is freezing for Nick, who is a thin little guy. In the hot tub, however, he is able to have a much more productive physical therapy session in a comfortable, positive environment with heightened results. Nick is positively over the moon about getting into the hot tub! It is impossible to contain his delighted squirming, and we cannot even mention it within his hearing (we actually have to spell it), because he immediately begins to bunny-hop joyously toward the back door! It always makes him completely happy, which is such an inspiring way to set the tone for his day. The hot tub is one of the few activities that we all can participate HANDS-ON WITH Nick, where he is completely participating just as much and just as freely as we are. It also provides for personal, loving contact with him, which is part of what makes it such a bonding experience for all of us. The gift of a ThermoSpas hot tub has been beyond exceptional for us. It has made all the difference in the world for Nick's overall achievement and enjoyment of life. We are tremendously grateful for this extraordinary blessing, and can only pray that many other children will benefit from the kindness of your wonderful company and generous program!" Chris, Maria, Nick, Grace, John Paul & Anna N. |
