Physical Therapy Grants

There is no cure for cerebral palsy (CP), but the right type of treatment can make a significant difference in helping CP patients live their lives to the fullest.
As part of our commitment to helping individuals courageously fight cerebral palsy and live meaningful lives, the Make Lemon Aide Foundation for CP provides financial assistance grants for cutting-edge First Step Recovery Model (FSRM) physical therapy. FSRM is a highly effective treatment program for achieving maximum results, as experienced by our founder, Lauren Walier.

What the grant includes

If selected to receive a CP patient physical therapy grant, you may be eligible for:

20-30 hours of CP physical therapy, including patient evaluation, at First Step Physical Therapy in Georgia or Buffalo, New York

Individual physical therapy treatments based on the 10 key components of physical recovery:

Manual physical therapy
Therapeutic exercise steps
Neuromuscular re-education
Gait training
Sensation recovery
Dry needling
Taping and orthotics
Nutrition and hydration
Cognitive rehab therapy
Circulatory modalities

How to apply

We award CP therapy grants through announced application periods. As much as we would like to help everyone, our resources are limited. All applications will be fairly reviewed and we make grant decisions based on many factors.

Download the 2021 grant application (PDF). The application period will close October 31, 2021, and grant recipients will be notified early 2022.

Reactions from past grant recipients

“We are thrilled for Easton to be among the first patients in Western New York to receive this cutting-edge physical therapy model through his work with Elizabeth Bailey-Sands Clay. Since beginning the FSRM therapy sessions, Easton’s flexibility, strength, body awareness, and endurance have increased! The First Step Recovery Model techniques have helped further advance his mobility and confidence!“

Jill Marie Jordan

Grant Recipient

“Since starting the First Step Recovery Model, my daughter, Emelia, has experienced several gains. Emelia’s neck and core strength have improved significantly as well as her ability to speak and communicate. Her needs and desires have greatly improved as well as her ability to sit independently, therefore helping learn another function - to stand straight and tall. We continue to implement FSRM into Emelia’s everyday life and are confident it is continually improving her overall goal of becoming an independent child.”

Caren Calhoun

Grant Recipient

"Dylan’s experience with all of the doctors and therapists at First Step Physical Therapy was amazing and beneficial due to the ability to carry over some of the stretches and strengthening techniques at home and at school. Dylan also has PT sessions weekly with Elizabeth Clay, who will soon be certified as a First Step Recovery Model trained therapist, which helps continue the progress and helps when problems arise. We are very thankful to have had this opportunity made possible by the Make Lemon Aide Foundation for Cerebral Palsy.”

Kelly Heine

Grant Recipient