Kids Can Do, the only dedicated pediatric therapy center in south central Kentucky, opened about a month ago on Daniel Drive in Danville. It treats children from newborn to 21 years of age with disorders such as cerebral palsy, autism, meningitis and developmental delays. Before the center opened, kids were seen at the hospital's wellness center, but the loss of a treatment room left no choice but to move the location of children's therapy to the building on Daniel Drive, which the hospital already owned.
Thrilled to have a building
Hardman said she couldn't be happier with the results. "I'm so thrilled to have a building," Hardman said, adding the opening of the therapy center has allowed the therapists to increase the amount of patients they can see and use equipment there was not space for in the wellness center.
She said not only the kids but the parents also have become more comfortable at the center.
"It's become home," Hardman said. "There's been nothing but positive response."
Melissa Ellis, whose son, Hunter, 5, is treated at Kids Can Do said she can't say enough good things about the therapy center.
"It's just so much more kid-friendly" than the wellness center, Melissa Ellis said. "They've just made it really fun for (Hunter)."
A few months ago, Hunter was diagnosed with viral encephalitis, which caused a severe deterioration of his functioning. His mother said the doctors told her Hunter's skills at one point had dropped to the level of a 4-month-old.
Hunter began his treatment at the wellness center, but Melissa Ellis says since moving to the Kids Can Do center he's been able to progress faster because of the individual attention he receives and an increase in space that has allowed room for more activities.
A mother's recommendation
Hunter has made excellent progress in his therapy, and should be finished by mid-summer, his mother said, adding she would definitely recommend Kids Can Do to any parent with a child in need of therapy.
"Therapy wasn't just good for Hunter," she said. "It's given my husband and me hope."
Kids Can Do employees ten licensed therapists practicing physical, speech and occupational therapy. Appointments at the center are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with some appointments possibly available on Saturdays.
An open house is scheduled for Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about the center, call Hardman or secretary Brittany Moore at (859) 239-6670.
