Aiken Standard, July 28, 2011
By Ashley Williamson

Pediatric patients at Hitchcock Healthcare are enjoying some new therapy equipment thanks to a donation from a local business owner.

Scott Heath, the owner of Aiken Pest Control, recently donated $2,500 to help fund new balance beams, mats and benches for use in physical and occupational therapy in the pediatric department.

"There were several pieces of equipment that were able to be purchased through this donation," said Tasha Savage, director of marketing and development at Hitchcock Healthcare. "They (Aiken Pest Control) have been a loyal supporter of Hitchcock for many, many years, and we couldn't do a lot of what we do without supporting businesses like that."

This week, Heath had a chance to visit the center to see his donation at work.

Three-year-old Tony Manning was born with Moebius Syndrome and Pierre Robin Syndrome, and consequently suffers from deformations of his feet and shoulder bones; on Thursday, Heath watched as the toddler was supported in a therapeutic swing - or, Spider-Man swing, according to Tony - and used his arms to move himself about on a new floor mat while completing a puzzle set up on one of the new benches.

"We take a lot of pride in knowing we have been able to contribute in some small way to this organization's wonderful mission," said Heath. "When the center gets the piece of equipment and you get to see someone using it, that's rewarding."

Tony has been receiving occupational, speech and physical therapy at Hitchcock since he was 6 months old. His mother Lydia praised Hitchcock's services, and said it's because of great staff members and donations like this that Tony took his first steps a little more than a month ago.

"If he weren't here, there's no telling where he would be right now as far as his progression goes," said Manning. "You can't beat the dedication; it will be a very sad day when we have to leave here."

To date, Aiken Pest Control has donated more than $10,000 to Hitchock Healthcare, said Heath.