Children with cerebral palsy and other complex medical conditions may struggle to walk, talk, eat and live life like their peers. But one innovative Richmond organization is dedicated to giving these young people a chance to thrive.
Richmond Hope Therapy Center was founded in 2012 by Cindy Richards, MS, PT, MSHA, after she noticed that some of her patients were traveling long distances to receive intensive therapy. “I wanted to create a safe place for children and families with special needs,” Richards said.
Today, RHTC offers both innovative and traditional physical therapy options for children to help them develop motor skills and achieve maximum strength, flexibility and balance, thereby increasing independence and enhancing functionality.
“On staff we have physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists. We all collaborate to make sure the children reach their full potential.”
The power of hope
RHTC is the first clinic in Virginia to offer intensive therapy for pediatric patients. Families who want their children to experience all that RHTC has to offer are placed on a waitlist until a spot becomes available in the program.
At RHTC, children receive up to three hours of therapy a day, five days a week for three consecutive weeks from the on-staff specialists. Inspired by Eastern European methods, this intense therapy can capitalize on continuous gains, and progress can come quickly for some children.
Utilizing a variety of traditional and innovative therapies — including the ZeroG, a gait and balance system that helps children with functional activities, balance and fall prevention training — RHTC’s therapists work with children to gain the skills needed to live a more normal life.
Testimonial: Jaimin’s story
Jaimin Silman was diagnosed at 10 months old with a rare genetic condition that impacts his growth and development. After realizing Jaimin was missing many developmental milestones, his parents put him on the waitlist at RHTC.
And though his parents had worried he would never walk, he took his first steps at RHTC when he was 5 years old, thanks to his dedicated team of therapists.
“This is the most special and amazing place we’ve ever been to,” said Jaimin’s mother, Rachel Silman, who, before being accepted at RHTC, had traveled extensively around the United States looking for the best programs for her son.
She found the life-changing spot at RHTC, which has had a profound impact on Jaimin and the entire Silman family.
“They are like a family here,” she said. “Their leadership is what brings this place together. I feel indebted to the therapists, this program, the leadership and to everyone who has made it possible for us to access these services and, in turn, to get my child on his feet.”
To read more about Jaimin’s story, click here.
To watch a video of success stories, click here.
The future of Richmond Hope Therapy Center
With a planned expansion on the horizon, Richards said she will be able to hire more staff and move families off the waitlist, which has always been one of her main goals.
“I just want to help children and their families,” she said. “They feel so alone before they get here, and they are always thankful to have experts help them navigate decisions for their kids. Our therapists are the people that parents can bounce ideas off, knowing that we have experience and knowledge to help.”
Richards calls successes like Jaimin’s first steps a “magic moment.”
“We see magic moments every day,” she said. “It’s not always as dramatic as someone walking across the gym. Some of these children can’t hold their head up. And, for them, any small change is a big change.”
She notes that many families don’t discover Richmond Hope Therapy Center until they truly need it. “The rest of the world is running around with children that are developing normally and don’t always understand the impact of Richmond Hope Therapy Center,” Richards said. “It’s a truly special place.”
To learn more about Bon Secours and the Richmond Hope Therapy Center, visit bonsecours.com.
