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Pediatric rehab department open
Published November 13, 2009
When three-year-old Maggee Pratt needed speech therapy, her family was forced to make weekly trips to San Antonio.
Now, nearly a year-and-a-half later, the services Maggee received three hours away are available at Val Verde Regional Medical Center thanks to a donation from her family.
In July, Maggee's parents William and Kellee Pratt donated $10,000 to the hospital for pediatric physical therapy and rehabilitation.
On Thursday, their dream was realized during ribbon cutting ceremonies at the Pediatric Rehab Department.
“We were blessed and fortunate enough to be in a position to give back to the community and this was something that was close to us,” said William.
Inside the pediatric rehab department mats line the floor, and a hand-painted farm theme, complete with barn and animals, graces the wall. In one corner is a ball pit, and another portion of the room has an elongated hanging plush swing.
Amanda Murray, the hospital's occupational therapist, says all of the items are used to help children with balance, strength and motor skills.
And, she says, the playful environment helps children interact with one another, improving their communication and social skills.
Murray says the room will be used to help children of all ages who suffer from a variety of ailments.
“I think this is just awesome,” said Val Verde Hospital District Board member Diana Sotelo Zertuche, a retired speech language pathologist. “When I come to a place like this I'm nostalgic. We're going forward, this hospital is going forward.”
Hospital chief executive officer Polly Davenport thanked the Pratt family for making the center a reality.
“We couldn't have done this without you,” said Davenport. “This is a huge asset to the hospital, and the community.”
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