Seasons of Giving

Grafton, MA - Through the mutual cooperation and generous donations of ThermoSpas, Priority Electric, and the Starlight Children's Foundation of New England, Eric - an 8 year-old boy who suffers from Cerebral Palsy (CP) - had his wish granted just in time for the summer.

The Starlight Children's Foundation of New England is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for seriously ill children and their families. The Foundation grants wishes to children with chronic health problems and wanted to offer Eric, who has suffered from CP ever since he was born prematurely, the chance to make his dream come true.

The Starlight Foundation approached Eric and his family about granting his once-in-a-lifetime wish, and Eric - who is confined to a wheelchair - decided he really wanted the freedom and relaxation he got from a hotel hot tub, but right in his very own backyard.

The Starlight Children's Foundation of New England contacted ThermoSpas about this wonderfully bright, fun child, and we quickly decided to donate and install an Avalon Spa, which is big enough to hold the entire family, but it still fits in their backyard. It has 22 jets for warm water therapy and an ice bucket and a shelf to hold drinks. Priority Electric generously donated the electrical hookup and assisted with the installation of the hot tub.

Eric calls his hot tub the "Cinderella Pool." The name comes from the first time that he stayed in a hotel. He was a little apprehensive, so his parents told him that they were staying in Cinderella's house, and it was there that he discovered the hotel's hot tub. However, the name also shows an uncanny similarity between Eric and the character in the fairy tale who is granted a wish and is able to see dreams come true and life change for the better.

The hot tub provides Eric with a chance to move and play freely on his own, but it also offers proven therapy. Eric's doctor, Christopher Stille, MD of UMASS Memorial Health Care, says the benefits of hydrotherapy (warm water therapy) include:

• Muscle relaxation, which reduces muscle spasms in children with spastic CP
• Decreased gravity, which increases breath control
• Improved trunk control, balance and coordination
• Increased mobility and range of motion for children who are wheelchair-bound
• Increased strength and endurance

Eric lives with his parents, Cynthia and Richard, his twin brother Aaron, and his adopted brother Anthony. Aaron, like Eric, was born prematurely and has had some severe health problems including a now-removed tracheostomy. Eric's brother Anthony also has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair.

Eric meets Dave from Thermo Spas

The Bissell family is making a difference in the lives of the children they believe are "very special" in extraordinary ways. In addition to the typical parental concerns of school and creating a happy home, Rich and Cindy Bissell were raising two young boys that have serious illnesses. They still had more love to give, so Rich and Cindy adopted a third child with special needs and welcomed Anthony into their family. "We had to take our old dreams and make new dreams," Rich says. Being involved with Starlight's New England chapter has helped them realize new dreams for the family. "A big part of life is not what we get, but what we give back. Starlight gives that opportunity to the families and to people who want to help. Starlight is like having a fairy godmother lifting spirits. It is rewarding for everyone."

The Bissell family portrait

For up-to-date news on this wonderful family, you can visit their web site at: http://bissells.com/library/starlight/

Eric was the first child to receive a donated hot tub from Thermo Spas, and he helped to inspire our Seasons of Giving program to help out other children who also need warm water therapy. To nominate a child for a hot tub donation, or for information on Thermo Spa's Seasons of Giving program please click here.