Senior living community sponsors lifechanging therapy for young boy

Brayden Scarsella is a 10-year-old boy living with spastic hemiplegia, a type of unilateral cerebral palsy that causes paralysis on one side of the body. As part of his treatment, Brayden attends hippotherapy sessions through Easterseals at InStride Therapy center in Nokomis.

The equine-assisted therapy helps provide Brayden with better balance, coordination and safe, functional mobility. All things that are difficult for someone living with spastic hemiplegia, which can cause poor muscle control, muscle stiffness, and weakness. One 30-minute session on horseback is the physical equivalent of taking 2,500 to 3,000 steps, which is dramatic exercise for someone who lives with a physical disability.

This type of therapy is life changing, but also quite expensive and not always covered by medical insurance. That is why The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods, an independent and assisted living community in Sarasota, has chosen to sponsor Brayden’s therapy for six months.

“Monthly or even weekly payments toward Brayden’s therapy are a tremendous burden on the family – yet the benefits make the services necessary,” said Michelle Sayre, Community Life Director at The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods. “We’re so thrilled to be able to lighten the load and cover the cost of therapy for Brayden, even for a short time.”

The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods is sponsoring Brayden through Watermark for Kids. The national nonprofit is associated with Watermark Retirement Communities, which manages The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods and more than 70 other communities nationwide. Watermark for Kids is committed to helping kids ages 6 through 22 access life-changing opportunities to be their true self regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or religious affiliations.

The community connected with Brayden through Easterseals Southwest Florida. Sayre worked with Easterseals in a previous community and was fond of the care and services they provide to children, youth, and adults with special needs. She asked Easterseals Southwest Florida if they had a family that could benefit from Watermark for Kids, and the organization connected her with Brayden’s family.

“We’re so thankful for the support of The Fountains and Watermark for Kids as Brayden continues to navigate the path of living every day with spastic hemiplegia,” said Alexandra Scarsella, Brayden’s mother. “His condition affects every part of his life, and these sessions allow him to live as close to normal as his body will allow him.”

The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods presented Brayden and Alexandra with a check from Watermark for Kids on Wednesday, May 18 at 8:00 a.m. at Easterseals at InStride Therapy center in Nokomis. The check presentation was followed by Brayden’s therapy session at 8:15 a.m.

The community regularly partners with Watermark for Kids to support local children in need.

About The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods

Located at 3260 Lake Pointe Blvd., The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods is a retirement community in Sarasota, located on a 53-acre property with lakes, walking trails, mature trees, native wildlife, migrating birds and gazebos. The community offers independent and assisted living with short and long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation at The Springs, an on-site health center operated by Summit Care. The Fountains offers a country club lifestyle featuring three dining options, an extensive calendar of events, outings, classes, clubs and fitness opportunities. Managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods is committed to creating an extraordinary and innovative community where people thrive. For more information, visit http://lakepointewoods.watermarkcommunities.com.

About Watermark for Kids

Watermark for Kids is a national non-profit organization with a mission to reduce barriers so that all kids can thrive. Awards are based on the ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of kids ages 6 to 22. Funds are raised through payroll deductions and fundraising projects spearheaded by residents and associates of more than 65 Watermark retirement communities nationwide. In return, Watermark Kids are encouraged to visit the community and share their success stories with residents and associates. To learn more visit www.watermarkforkids.org.