Holly's Story

One day, three years ago, I was driving home from work. CHI Health was advertising on the radio their aquatic rehab program and the fact that they work with a variety of diagnoses. I have a daughter, Holly, who was born at 29 weeks in 1992. As a result, she is multi handicapped, with cerebral palsy as her main diagnosis. She has a mixed pattern of cerebral palsy which makes her battle with both spasticity and weakness.

Holly has always struggled with outpatient therapy, even though she has had countless therapy sessions. The pain is overwhelming at times, but she never gives up on a challenge.

Holly loves swimming so I decided to call and see if they would be willing to spend some time with Holly and to see if they thought this might be of benefit to her. We have been there ever since. It is amazing that she can last up to one hour in the pool for therapy and only 20 to 30 minutes at a time in the gym. She is able to excise in the pool with little to no pain.

The therapists were so kind and gentle with Holly and really took time to get to know her and where her pain comes from. They also spent time with me and taught me things to help her along. Holly has improved so much in her gait, transfers, and in the amount of tone throughout her body. She has also had a major spine surgery within the last three years due to scoliosis. Her recovery has been remarkable and she has been able to do many more things with less pain.

The pool has not only been a major key to her ongoing success and recovery, but the therapists have made her feel so special and have given her so much encouragement to not give up. I have seen this kindness with everyone who comes into the pool. Holly loves water and thinks of the pool as her very own sport.

We are now part of the independent swim program and we both absolutely love it. The pool staff has now become a part of our family. We are so glad we made that call and we can’t thank them enough for all they have done for us.
—Mary Beth