2026: The b&G Hope Grant presented by
the William finn walsh Fund
We are excited to share that the B&G Hope Grant is now proudly sponsored by the William Finn Walsh Fund.
The William Finn Walsh Fund was created in memory of William, a heart angel who was diagnosed with congenital heart disease during his mother’s 20-week anatomy scan. William was one of the 1 in 100 babies born with a congenital heart defect. Advances in medicine gave his family eight precious months with him—time that may not have been possible just a few years earlier.
William’s story is a reminder that every child’s journey is different and that many disabilities and medical challenges are not visible. Children with complex needs work incredibly hard for milestones others may take for granted, and their families often become their strongest advocates.
In William’s memory, the Walsh family wanted to support the therapists who dedicate their careers to working with children like William. Through the William Finn Walsh Fund, they are helping provide therapists with opportunities to expand their knowledge, skills, and resources so they can continue providing exceptional care to children with disabilities and complex medical needs throughout Southwest Louisiana.
About the B&G Hope Grant
The B&G Hope Grant was created by Families for Inclusion to bring a higher level of therapy, training, and resources to Southwest Louisiana. This year, we are expanding the possibilities of the B&G Hope Grant. The grant is open to physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, ABA professionals, and other therapy providers who work with individuals with special needs. Rather than selecting one area of focus, we are asking the professionals who serve our community every day to tell us what they believe Southwest Louisiana needs.
Applicants may propose a training, certification, therapy technique, resource, program, or other opportunity they believe could improve services and expand options for individuals with special needs in our region.
Our goal is simple: listen to the professionals doing the work, identify gaps in our community, and help bring resources to Southwest Louisiana that might not otherwise be available.
B&G Hope Grant 2025 - Brought E-Stim Spinal Stimulation Therapy to SWLA!
Through the 2025 B&G Hope Grant, Families for Inclusion brought Gerti Motavalli, MPT, founder of Spinal Stimulation Therapy, to Lake Charles to provide specialized NISE-Stim Level I Training to Louisiana therapists.
Families for Inclusion sponsored more than 20 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and occupational therapists from across Louisiana to complete the two-day, hands-on training at Garber Auditorium on the St. Patrick Hospital campus.
The course provided 16 hours of specialized instruction in Non-Invasive Spinal Electrical Stimulation (NISE-Stim), a therapy approach used with pediatric patients with Spina Bifida, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, and other neuromotor conditions. Participants also received training in the Turtle Bracing technique, an affordable and adaptable bracing approach designed for growing children.
By covering the cost of this advanced training, the B&G Hope Grant allowed Families for Inclusion to bring specialized education directly to our region while expanding the number of Louisiana therapists equipped with additional tools to serve children with disabilities and complex mobility needs.
2024 B&G Hope Grant recipients!
Families for Inclusion Expands Access to Specialized Therapy in Southwest Louisiana with B&G Hope Grant
This August, Families for Inclusion launched the B&G Hope Grant, a groundbreaking initiative to fill a major gap in pediatric therapy right here in Southwest Louisiana. This grant funds certification for local Physical and Occupational Therapists in Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) Therapy, a specialized approach that helps children with unique developmental and mobility needs. Up until now, families needing DMI Therapy have had to travel to Houston or Baton Rouge because we simply didn’t have certified providers in the area.
Originally set to fund one certification, the B&G Hope Grant has now expanded, thanks to Children’s Miracle Network and a generous private donor, to support four therapists. With this new capacity, Southwest Louisiana will soon be a go-to hub for DMI Therapy, supporting local families and drawing others from around the state who seek this essential care.
Parents are already seeing the life-changing effects of DMI Therapy. Jenny Thomas, mother of Amelia, shared that since starting DMI, Amelia has gained strength and is now bearing weight on her arms—something she couldn’t do before.
The B&G Hope Grant has supported these outstanding local therapists:
Abby Bell with Maxx Physical Therapy
Megan Gallien at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s Outpatient Physical Therapy
Brittany Jones from Therapy Works
Laura Hanchey with St. Nicholas Center
These therapists are committed to practicing in our area for at least five years after certification, ensuring sustained, local access to DMI Therapy for families in need. The B&G Hope Grant exemplifies Families for Inclusion’s commitment to bridging vital therapy access gaps and fostering a more inclusive and supportive community.