A wheelchair-accessible playground in Provo, Utah--donated by doTERRA and installed by its employees--is putting smiles on the faces of dozens of children plagued by neuro-muscular disorders. The donation is benefitting the Now I Can non-profit organization, dedicated to helping disabled children reach their greatest potential.
PLEASANT GROVE, Utah, Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Joel and Tracey Christensen started the charity in 2001 following the birth of their first child, Colby Anne. Colby was born with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, which affected her ability to move the right side of her body. Those who suffer from cerebral palsy struggle with motor function, due to weakened or paralyzed muscles, which can lead to painful joint deformities. Hemiplegia not only causes stiffness and weakness in the muscles, but it can also affect cognitive and behavioral skills since it is often the result of a painful or damaging brain injury before or after birth.
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Traditional physical therapy didn't seem to help much. So, the Christensen's traveled as far away as Poland to find effective treatment. After just a few therapy sessions, when Colby Anne was finally able to wiggle her right side, she exclaimed, "Now I can!"
That new approach—called the Intensive Model of Therapy—worked so well, the Christensen's knew they had to get it to the United States. They fundraised, dipped into their retirement and asked their parents for loans so the Polish therapists could travel to Provo, train local professionals, and help equip Joel and Tracey's dream of changing lives.
In 2006, they opened the Now I Can clinic as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, treating kids who suffer from pain associated with disorders such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury and developmental delays.
In the summer of 2015, doTERRA decided to get involved in a big way to support Now I Can. Not only did the doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation provide the playground equipment, but dozens of doTERRA employees took the time to install it over the course of several weeks. The doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation is also making a difference by donating cash to Now I Can.
Now I Can serves some 80 to 100 children every year at the Provo clinic. The Christensen's continue to accomplish their goal of providing affordable care to everyone, by making sure medical costs are covered by insurance, grants and private donations.
About doTERRA International, LLC
doTERRA is a world leader in the sourcing, testing, manufacturing, and distribution of CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils through a global network of Wellness Advocates. In addition to a premium line of single-plant extracts and proprietary essential oil blends, the company offers oil-infused personal care and spa products, dietary supplements, and healthy living products for the home.
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