Austin West made over 675 Christmas-themed, laser-cut wood door hangers for pediatric rehabilitation patients this year. 

West was diagnosed with a genetic muscle degeneration disorder at 8-years-old and has been a patient with Spartanburg Regional’s Pediatric Rehabilitation program ever since, receiving physical and occupational therapy. 

"I’ve really benefited from aquatic therapy. I can scoot and move around in the water, doing things that I’m not able to do on land,” West said. 

This Christmas season, Pediatric Rehab transformed its therapy space into a winter wonderland, which has been a tradition for the past 26 years. Patients and their families arrived at the pediatric rehab facility during their regularly scheduled appointments and received a special gift while taking in the festive spirit. 

More than 590 neatly wrapped Christmas presents were prepared for patients and handed out during the week of the annual event. Children took pictures with Santa while others played holiday-themed games related to their therapy. 

The effort to bring cheer to patients and their families was first the vision of the late Judy Bradshaw, a philanthropist whose generosity has benefited thousands of children throughout the years. 

The Bradshaw Pediatric Rehab Assistance Fund provides the financial resources necessary to host week-long Christmas festivities each December, complete with sweet treats, gifts, games and decorations. 

"To me, these children who come to therapy routinely have an extra occasion to celebrate Christmas and feel special, and at the end of the session, they receive a gift that helps promote something that they are working on in therapy,” said Tracie Rodak, director of rehabilitation services. 

West’s handmade door hanger gifts added to the already-festive spirit. 

His physical therapist, Stephanie Duke, said working with West for more than 15 years has been a delight and an inspiration. The Christmas party was a chance to reflect on those achievements and celebrate. 

If you would like to learn more or donate to the Spartanburg Regional Foundation’s Bradshaw Pediatric Rehab Assistance Fund, visit https://regionalfoundation.com/ways-give/families.