An Innovative Clinic, A Police Officer, And A Child's Dream

      When Ruthie, my now 16 year old, was 12 we found a specialty clinic called I.EM.PHIT "that combines intensive, fun physical conditioning and nutrition counseling in a medically supervised program." 
      From the start I was impressed with how Chris Coffey, the clinic director, customized the activities to fit each child's needs and interests. He was constantly changing it up so the kids stayed engaged in pushing themselves harder without being aware that's what they were doing.
      It has been a few years since we have been to the clinic and now that they have moved to a more convenient location to our home we are getting the required referral for our 11 year old. She  has low muscle tone and is taking a break from traditional occupational and physical therapy to do strength building. 
     While reconnecting with the clinic I came across a television broadcast about one of their clients--a boy named Gage.  The images of this child, who was shaken when he was little, getting strong through his own passion to become a police officer stayed in my thoughts. It reinforced that I.EM.PHIT creatively helps kids get strong inside and out.
     This morning I saw a post on the clinic's facebook page that an officer who was touched by the initial story on Fox 9 News commented on the post that he'd like to help Gage's dream come true. He got the clearance from his department and Gage became an officer for the day!
     Kudos to Officer Beckett for taking the initiative to create not just a ride in the squad car but a training experience for a boy whose dream it is to be in law enforcement. Well done. You showed how effortless it can be to reach out to a child who needs extra help and how much a child can learn with an interested and compassionate teacher.
     I look forward to the Fox 9 News broadcast which will introduce us one day to Officer Robinson.


(Click on "Gage" and "officer for the day" above to see the stories as reported by Fox 9 News.)

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Stop The Stigma: What Is A Mental Illness?

I came upon this website today Make It OK.. I like how practical it is. Great resource to share with family, friends, schools, co-workers and places of worship. Let's stop the stigma by getting good information out to others.

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