Condell's Pediatric Rehabilitation Center (PACT) Receives $10,000 Grant from Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation

Libertyville, IL ... Condell's Pediatric Alternatives in Creative Therapy (PACT), recently received a $10,000 grant from the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation's Quality of Life Health Program. The funds will be used in continuing the care PACT provides to its patients.

The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, a national, nonprofit organization, supports research to develop effective treatments and a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. Until those treatments and cures are found, Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation's Quality of Life Program is committed to supporting organizations and programs that seek to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

PACT is a unique medical support service in Lake County for children and teens with neuromuscular disorders, such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries, as well as those with developmental delay and speech-language disorders. PACT also treats children with genetic and congenital anomalies, structural abnormalities, such as cleft palate, and hearing/vision problems, sensory integration dysfunction and those receiving radiation or chemotherapy treatments.

The PACT staff uses a multi-disciplinary team approach, including physical therapists, (PT) occupational therapists, (OT) speech pathologists, massage therapists and a social worker. From day one, they form a "pact" with the family, the school, physician and community to provide comprehensive intervention, as well as an individualized treatment program for each child.

With its start in 1992 and celebrating it's 10-year anniversary this May, PACT began with just four patients and was the first hospital-based program of its kind in Lake County. Today, PACT serves approximately 130 families and the demand for its services continues to grow.

Monica Cioffi, MS, PT, and director of PACT, is grateful for the grant from the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. "We know that children with unique needs and their families sometimes require special support and attention. Our goal is to help children and families deal with these challenges, offering support through every stage of a child's development," said Cioffi. "The grant from the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation will allow us to continue to provide the most comprehensive and highest quality intervention, treatment and therapy program for each child that enters our doors."