C&FD Physical Therapy

We are excited to share that iCan Bike is back in Charlotte this summer for the seventh consecutive year.

The bike camp, formally known as Lose the Training Wheels, was renamed iCan Bike. It's the same great camp, just with a new name! 

This year, the camp is June 24-28. The Autism Foundation of the Carolinas is organizing and sponsoring this wonderful event again.

As in previous years, this is not a camp just for children with autism spectrum disorders. All children with special needs who, because of their uniqueness, have not been able to learn to ride a bike can attend.  

Please visit the website www.autismcarolinas.org, click on Inclusion-Based Programs, and look for iCan Bike Camp information, including an application and volunteer forms or email at bikecamp@autismcarolinas.org.

Last week, Jessica Sapel, a physical therapist at the South Charlotte office of Child and Family Development, received a beautiful note from a child’s mom.

Now, the parent delivered the letter during an aquatic therapy session so we can’t be sure if the letter had water drops because of the pool or the tears it brought to Jessica’s eyes.  And, she’s not saying…

Here are some of the nice things Mom wrote:

• You point out the ways that my son is growing and I remember this is a journey that is not over yet, no need to hurry or worry.
   
• I am so thankful that you show me the way with my son and give me hope that he will find his own way too.
   
• People with disabilities are often overlooked or avoided.  You are one of the few who teach him that he is important too. 
   
• I cannot tell you what it means to have someone else share in my joys over his milestones. 

Thank you Mom, we appreciate those very kind words!

Child and Family Development is proud to support the 5^th Cure SMA Walk & Roll on Saturday, April 20, at the Alexander Graham Middle School Track near SouthPark. This will be the final Walk & Roll fundraiser.

The event is 2-4 p.m. and features a one-lap walk around the track, a DJ, Crafts, Cake Walk, Field Goal Contest and more.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder that kills more babies than any other inherited disease. Gray was diagnosed with Type II SMA in August, 1999 and Gray's Gang was established soon afterwards. Gray’s Gang is a 100 percent volunteer organization committed to defeating the deadly disease of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Please visit GraysGang.com for further information

Opportunity knocks at the South Charlotte office of Child and Family Development! 

We are making room for another pediatric Physical Therapist!

Visit the Careers tab on our website, www.childandfamilydevelopment.com, for more information.

Check out the latest You Tube video link from Total Motion Release:

Some members of the Child and Family Development physical therapy team are trained in TMR and use these techniques with amazing results!

Here is the link:

This week, Amy Sturkey, Physical Therapist at Child and Family Development, led a presentation at the 2012 Conference: "Sharing the HoPE in HoloProsEncephaly" in Concord, North Carolina. 

This is a national event led by an organization called Families for HoPE.  They seek to provide support for all stages in the HPE journey, helping families who are just receiving a diagnosis, living with HPE, or grieving a loss.  Programs include: parent-to-parent support, grief support, HPE family conferences, educational materials about HPE, educating the medical community and public awareness. 

Learn more about it at www.familiesforhope.org

Last night, Alan Brown told the story of Taylor's Tale, a non-profit organization created in Charlotte inspired by Taylor King, who was diagnosed with Batten Disease at seven years old. Batten Disease is a neurodegenerative disease that begins in childhood and there is no known cure.

In an effort to finding the key of combating this illness, musicians from various parts of the state displayed their keyboard skills by participating in a Play-a-thon to bring more awareness to Batten Disease. 

Arthrogryposis

Cerebral Palsy

Developmental Delay

Down syndrome

Gross Motor Coordination

Torticollis

Child and Family Development is accepting new referrals for physical therapy services.  Typically, the first appointment occurs within 1 week of the initial call to our office.  Our experienced PT team includes:

We accept insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, Medcost, Primary Physician Care (PPC), United Healthcare (UHC), as well as NC Medicaid and SC Medicaid. 

Visit our website to learn more about our services and therapists and call our office to schedule the initial appointment.