The big day is finally here. We are all very excited and a little nervous for Jake to start his Therasuit session on Monday, June 2nd. He will attend therapy 3 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 3 weeks straight.

Jake’s 2 hour evaluation gave him and his therapist a chance to get acquainted. It also gave Jake an idea of what he’ll be experiencing in the upcoming weeks. He really seemed to connect with his therapist and enjoy most of the work he was doing. We’re excited to see what may come of this new therapy.

We are a bit nervous because we know how much work it’s going to be for him. They have told us it is very intense and most children cry. His therapists have decided to proceed with the typical approach except they won’t utilize extra weights. Generally, weights would be added to the program for extra strength training but Jake will not be using any in fear that if he over works his muscles and they break down, he may not be able to rebuild new muscle. Due to the fatigue Jake may feel because of his Congenital Muscular Dystrophy, we have also decided that he will be given breaks upon need. Breaks are not typically provided during the daily 3 hour session. Please feel free to view one of the videos from Jake’s evaluation.

As parents of a child who is unable to communicate a lot of his needs, it is important for us to try to experience everything that Jake goes through so that we can understand what he may be trying to tell us. During Jake’s evaluation, the therapists were more than happy to suit mom up in the same gear that Jake will be wearing for a lot of his therapy. Mom demonstrates and explains how the suit feels, check it out yourself.

Things at the Bower residence have been quiet this month with the exception of Dad and Jake both having the Flu the same week. Jake was ill for about a week but came back strong with an attitude and an appetite better then ever. His last day of school was Friday May, 30th. We’re sure he’ll miss school but therapy will keep him more than busy in the mornings.

Words cannot express how grateful we are to have such an amazing support system. Our friends, family and supporters have donated enough funds to pay for the entire first 3 week round of Therasuit which is $4,500.00. It’s so refreshing to know that there are people out there who really do care. We can’t thank you enough. We’ll publish videos and update you on Jake’s progress in next month’s newsletter! Stay tuned…