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News & Events
Euro-Pēds Presentations & Conferences
(*schedule subject to change; please call Euro-Peds at 1-888-875-6662 to verify times and locations of presentations on Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy) |
March 28-30, 2008
Abilities Expo-Metro New York
www.abilitiesexpo.com |
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Edison, New Jersey |
New Jersey Convention Center |
April 26, 2008
Differently Abled Expo
www.geneseeisd.com |
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Flint, Michigan |
Knopf Learning Center |
April 26, 2008
Special Needs Expo
www.specialneedsexpo.com |
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Youngstown, Ohio |
Chevrolet Centre |
May 30-June 1, 2008
Abilities Expo
Southern California
www.abilitiesexpo.com |
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Anaheim, California |
Anaheim Convention Center |
June 13-15, 2008
Family Café Conference
www.FamilyCafe.net |
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Orlando, Florida |
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort |
July 11-12, 2008
World Congress & Expo on Disabilities
www.wcdexpo.com |
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Reading, Pennsylvania |
Greater Reading Convention Center |
September 14, 2008 1pm – 4pm
EURO-PĒDS’ REUNION PICNIC!
www.oaklandyard.com/contract.htm |
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Waterford, Michigan |
Oakland Yards Athletic Dome |
November 21-22, 2008
World Congress on Disabilities
www.wcdexpo.com |
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Jacksonville, Florida |
Osborn Convention Center |
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Newsletters
Euro-Pēds in the News
Therapytimes.com Votes Euro-Pēds Director, Michelle Saunders, as one of the Most Influential in November 14, 2006 issue!:
Therapy Times’ 25 Most Influential 2006
Recognizing the movers and shakers in the therapy industry
Whether in the nutrition, occupational, physical, respiratory or speech therapy professions, the 2006 Therapy Times 25 most influential therapists have one thing in common: an unbridled passion for therapy and an unquenched dedication to the highest quality of patient care possible. Therapy Times is proud to present this year’s list - which is based strictly on reader nominations - of clinicians demonstrating the drive, character and integrity deserving of the title, "Most Influential."
Michelle D. Saunders, PT, MSPT
"After earning her Masters degree from Mt. Pleasant-based Central Michigan University in 2000, Michelle D. Saunders, PT, MSPT, director of North Oakland Medical Centers (NOMC) Euro-Pēds, in Pontiac, Mich., immediately found her niche at NOMC Euro-Pēds in the cutting edge physical therapy field of intensive pediatric PT.
Her technical skills, dedication and passion for children and for this emerging field of PT contributed to her 2003 promotion, becoming the youngest director of a departmental hospital at North Oakland Medical Centers, the non-profit hospital where the clinic is located.
Saunders has also been instrumental in promoting research on "suit therapy," a tool sometimes used in an intensive PT session, in conjunction with Oakland University, based in Rochester, Mich. Since the inception of the clinic, several major insurance carriers are now more likely to cover intensive PT, largely due to Saunders’ determination. For families without insurance, she has worked closely with the North Oakland Foundation to keep alive a special grant program called "Adopt A Euro-Kid."
In a potentially high-burnout field - where therapists work with one child up to 40 hours throughout two weeks and scheduling is unusually challenging - Saunders has fostered exceptional care and quality from her therapy teams and staff. Her goals for the clinic always remain in sight: exceptional patient care, the highest quality training, education and affordable treatment for those children who are in need."
http://www.therapytimes.com/content=6601J64E487E56941
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Newsletter Parent-to-Parent Advice Column:
Euro-Pēds will be including a Parent-to-Parent advice column for caregivers of Euro-Pēds’ patients. If you have helpful information that you would like to share with other parents or caregivers, please e-mail it to the Communications Coordinator at
Euro-Pēds News Stories:
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Local Girl Ready for Big Step- Kailee Erdelac,
5, has undergone unique therapy for cerebral
palsy – The Times(Crown Point, Indiana) May 4, 2006
OU Alumni provide hope to kids with cerebral palsy- OU Campus News, September 29, 2005
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Wednesdays with Arnie- from Rochester Eccentric, February 24, 2005
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Space Age Therapy - Daily Tribune
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Neuro-Muscular Therapy Improves Movement- from Florida Today, August 13, 2002
Canine Assistant Boosts Spirits and Provides Motivation at Euro-Pēds
A new, furry four-legged therapist in Euro-Pēds is turning many heads and serving as the source of smiles and encouragement. Arnie, a yellow Labrador Retriever, is inspiring children at Euro-Pēds during his weekly visits with handler and owner Kay Neslage.
Arnie is a trained therapy dog who joined the Euro-Pēds staff in April. Every Wednesday, Arnie and Kay visit the clinic where they move from room to room, offering good cheer to each child.
 “The children just light up when we visit,” Kay said. “Arnie is here as a reward for the children and he also serves as a release. Children love to pet him and stop and talk to us. One day, one of the children even rode Arnie. It was hilarious.”
Arnie, who is named after golfer Arnold Palmer because he used to sleep on a golf bag, is no rookie when it comes to “working” in a clinical environment. He is an experienced therapy dog who has worked closely with children in cancer, intensive care and rehab units at Convenant Children’s Hospital in his hometown of Houston, Texas. He’s also worked with the elderly.
The well-mannered canine has even used his “dog senses” as a way to help predict a seizure.
After “We came to visit the child who was in the ICU and Arnie immediately put his paws on (the boy’s) chest,” Kay said. “I took Arnie down and told him not to jump, but he went right back up two more times. About three to five minutes later, the boy had a seizure - his first ever. We’re convinced Arnie sensed the seizure was coming.”
Kay said Arnie even helped a boy with the nerve-damaging disease, Neuropathy, gain the ability to walk. “About six months to a year after working with Arnie, he walked in two weeks,” Kay said.
As word got out about Arnie through the local television stations and newspapers, Arnie gained national fame when he and Kay were asked to appear on the “Maury Povich” show about four years ago. The episode was on people who overcame great odds. Kay said Arnie stole the show when he appeared opposite the boy. “It was a real emotional moment for everyone,” she said.
 Arnie’s fame continued to skyrocket after his “Maury” appearance. Since, he has served as the spokesdog for an American Heart association campaign airing in Texas (he barked through a subtitled commercial touting exercise and good health) and also served as the guest coach of the national-champion Texas Tech ladies basketball team.
Although the well-deserved attention and fame was nice for Arnie and Kay, the duo get more satisfaction out of helping children, which brought them to Euro-Pēds. Kay, a retired hospital administrator, and her husband moved to Rochester Hills after Kay’s husband took a position at a local company. To fill some time and help in the community, Kay decided to volunteer at Euro-Pēds after hearing of the program from a friend and NOMC employee. “Once I heard of this program, I knew it was something I wanted to get Arnie involved with,” Kay said. “I knew it was a place where he could really make a difference.”
Other Happenings: |
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Euro-Pēds was born 6 years ago!
Tenae, one of our Euro-Pēds patients, helped us celebrate the anniversary.
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SPECIAL THANK YOU’S!
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Brownie Troop # 843 from Waterford generously collected and then donated 150 VHS Tapes to Euro-Pēds and took a tour of the clinic on December 19, 2005. |
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The Cutup Quilters from Highland, Michigan, donated 14 handmade quilts to the clinic. The one pictured to the left was a prize-winning quilt and was so highly requested that a drawing was held for it. Euro-Pēds patient, Shaffan, from Florida was the lucky winner! |
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Part of Notre Dame Prep High School’s Cheerleading Team delivered Teddy Bears to the lucky Euro-Pēds patients that were in therapy that day.
(Team members Gianna Guzzardo, Katie Koterba, Dezz Messina, Sara Zielinski, and Liz Choi are pictured with patient, Shaffan) |
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Girl Scout Troop # 1386 from Waterford, Michigan, generously distributed presents to the patients. Pictured here is Andrew, receiving his book from whole troop and their leader, Heather Wichtman. |
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The Palace Patrol (as in the Palace of Auburn Hills) and members of the band, QTMC were on the loose at Euro-Pēds, handing out gifts to all the good girls and boys. Najla is surrounded by our visitors and all the gifts she received. Thank you for your generous and fun spirits! |
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Euro-Pēds Events & Holidays Photo Album
Halloween 2006 at Euro-Pēds
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(left) Charlie and his horsedrawn chariot won the Euro-Pēds Halloween Costume Contest, while Raggedy Ann (a.k.a., Angela Jackson, PT)
won the contest for the staff. |
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Third Annual Jack McGee Golf Outing |
The third annual Jack McGee Golf Outing, benefiting Euro-Pēds, took place Saturday, May 13, at The Huntmore Golf Club in Brighton, Michigan. Jack McGee is a patient at Euro-Pēds and his parents, Mike & Katie McGee of Howell, are the organizers of the event.
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The McGee family at the 3rd Annual Jack McGee Golf Outing benefiting Euro-Pēds on May 13 |
Michelle with Katie & Jack on the 8th hole |
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Apparently, the cold and rain didn’t deter the golfers; participation in the outing was the highest since the McGee’s started the event three years ago. Thank you, McGees! Your generosity and hard work will help many children!
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Arnie Claus Gives, as well as Receives |
| Euro-Pēds patient, Kennedy, gets to be Arnie Claus’ special Reindeer. |
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Arnie gets his very own presents to unwrap, with the help of patients Brandy & Abigail, and Arnie’s human (and long-time Euro-Pēds volunteer), Kay Neslage.
Patient from Portugal Celebrates
7th Birthday While at NOMC Euro-Pēds |
Above, Joana opens her birthday presents with the help of her mother, Rosaria, and her therapist, Carolyn Rose |
This past December, Carlos & Rosaria Cardoso traveled across the ocean from their home in Portugal to bring their daughter, Joana to Euro-Pēds out of North Oakland Medical Centers in Pontiac. The Cardoso’s own two restaurants in
Cambres, Portugal, which they entrusted to
other family members during Joana’s
four-week session. While here, Joana’s parents
and the Euro-Pēds staff and patients celebrated her 7th birthday together. |
Benoit of Trenton, Ontario, joins Joana’s celebration |
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow talked with Euro-Pēds patient, Nick Ballard, during an August visit to Euro-Pēds. Nick’s therapist, Kim Maddock, showed the Senator some unique therapy techniques being administered to children with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular disorders.
Arnie the Wonder Therapy Dog plays Santa-Dog to Euro-Pēds patient, Kennedy (known on this particular day as “Prancer”).
Samantha must have been a very good girl this year to get a personal visit at Euro-Pēds from Mr. & Mrs. Claus!
Shaffan, a Euro-Pēds patient from Florida, gets a special visit from Santa Claus during his therapy session.
Arnie the Therapy Dog opens his Christmas presents from Euro-Pēds. Who says you need hands to open a gift!? |
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Halloween 2005 at Euro-Pēds:
The Three Musketeers come to Euro-Pēds, looking very similar to Miloslav and his brothers. |
Cat & Mouse invaded Euro-Pēds on Halloween (Angie Jackson, MPT, is the mouse and her patient, Erin from California, is the kitty-cat) |
Once again, the boys from Allen Einstein’s Project 2000 class visited Euro-Pēds to distribute generous bags of Halloween candy to the patients.
The boys are seen here posing with Euro-Pēds patient, Micah, and his therapist, Kate Szawiela.
(Please click on www.project2000.org to see what life skills and wisdom Mr. Einstein brings to his students in Birmingham, Michigan). |
PT Tracy Romatz with her little skeleton patient, Matthew. |
Fireman Bryson with his family and his therapist, Renea Fletcher. |
PT Melissa Ahler as a pregnant country girl with Tenae as Baby Bop on Halloween. |
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Euro-Pēds Co-Sponsors Red Wing Alumni game to Benefit United Cerebral Palsy-Detroit
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(left) Leslynn Angel, VP of UCP Detroit, and Mike Ward, UCP Boardmember and organizer of the Red Wing Alumni Vs. UCP Pucksters event, presented an honorary plaque to Director of Euro-Pēds, Michelle Saunders. The event is held annually to benefit the UCP-Detroit.
www.ucpdetroit.org |
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Euro-Pēds FUN DAY Picnic 2006 |
Euro-Pēds Fun Day 2006 was held July 23 in Waterford at Hess-Hathaway Park. Fun Day is presented by the staff of the pediatric intensive physical therapy clinic in thanks of the dedication and hard work both the patients and their families do to participate in the special therapy.
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(left) Euro-Pēds staff, sponsors and volunteers at Fun Day 2006. (below) Gwyn shows off her hat she made at the UCP Craft Table
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| Melissa McGinnis, PT, and Euro-Pēds patient, Kennedy, show off their stylish face paintings. |
Ronald McDonald made a rare appearance for a magic act, to the delight of Brandy and her family. |
Euro-Pēds patient Elijah Woods, chills out in Freedom Concepts new “Chill-Out Chair.” |
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| Four generations of Chloe’s family made it to Fun Day ‘06 |
Geoffrey Giraffe from Toys ‘R Us made Morgan’s day. |
Gail & Jamie take a test drive on the Freedom Concepts tandem bike |
Thank you to the following Sponsors of Fun Day 2006 who made it possible!
Other thanks for Fun Day goes out to: Kay Neslage & Arnie, Augusta Woods, Laura Chaput, Lisa Angelilli, Brandy Eversole, Tina Shedd, Randy Root, Mark Rowe, Rob MacFarlane, Jeff Buerman, Joanne Bray, Nancy Donahue, Leslynn Angel & Family, Carolyn Das & Family, LaToya Jones, and Pat Sheridan. |
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© Copyright 1999 - 2008 Euro-Pēds. All Rights Reserved. | Created by Media Genesis
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