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. We invite you to learn more about our grant program and download a grant application.

What the Grant Includes

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

January – June grant period includes 2 hours of First Step Recovery Model physical therapy per week for 6 months.

July – December grant period includes 3 hours per week for 6 months of FSRM physical therapy both, including patient evaluation (if necessary) 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

To learn more about our partner, visit firststeppt.com or contact one of their offices.

Fayetteville, Georgia
500 West Lanier Ave. Suite 303
Fayetteville, Ga 30214
(770) 716-8885

Marietta, Georgia
965 Piedmont Road, Unit 200
Marietta, Ga 30066
(770) 575-2212

Roswell, Georgia
402 Bombay Lane
Roswell, Ga 30075
(678) 878-2503

Buffalo, New York
2564 Walden Ave, Suite 105
Cheektowaga, NY 14225
(716) 288-7427

How to Apply

We award CP therapy grants two times a year. As much as we would like to help everyone, our resources are limited.

For consideration, please download the grant application and submit all materials by the application period deadline listed below. All applications will be fairly reviewed, and we make grant decisions based on many factors. Grant funds must be used at First Step Physical Therapy within six months of award notification.

Application periods:

Deadline: December 15 – Awards announced in January
Deadline: June 15 – Awards announced in June

Reactions from past grant recipients

"Emily started with First Step three ago in GA. We have seen progress in her physical capabilities from therapy there and her at home routines. Emily has shown greater improvements with her physical abilities now that 1st Step has opened in Buffalo and she receives therapy more frequently. Dr Liz has been amazing, coordinating at home routines, aligning programs with Emily’s school PT and encouraging Emily to do more so she can achieve her personal goals. All of this is possible because of the Make Lemonaide Foundation for CP!"

Tim Klima

Parent

“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

"I urge all my CP Warriors to take advantage of the newly opened First Step Physical Therapy Clinic in Buffalo. Since getting weekly treatments there, I at 65 years young have new found confidence, balance and stamina.The therapy has really improved my overall quality of life. For once in my life can I say I am pain free!!"

Jeff Petrocy

Grant Recipient