Donation fuels progress for patients at Tidelands Health Center for Pediatric Development

July 22, 2025 

Contact: Dawn Bryant 

Tidelands Health  
(843) 652-1636 

dbryant@tidelandshealth.org 

News for Immediate Release: 

Donation fuels progress for patients at Tidelands Health Center for Pediatric Development  

Young patients receiving physical, occupational or speech therapy at Tidelands Health now have access to additional equipment and technology thanks to a generous donation from a North Carolina firm. 

Intellect Resources donated $21,000 for the purchase of playground-like structures and swings, iPads and BlazePods, a collection of cylinders that light up randomly to help patients improve coordination and motor skills.  

The equipment and technology are used at Tidelands Health Center for Pediatric Development locations in Myrtle Beach and Georgetown, which provide specialized therapy for children with a variety of conditions, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, developmental delays and more.  

“One new piece of equipment really makes a big difference,” said Luann Mezzatesta, senior speech and language pathologist at Tidelands Health Center for Pediatric Development at Georgetown. “It’s just imperative that we grow and we meet the needs of those kids who are coming in our doors every day. We definitely could not do this without these donations.” 

Intellect Resources President and CEO Tiffany Crenshaw, who has partnered with Tidelands Health on several projects, said she is inspired by the health system’s commitment to serving young patients through specialized therapy. It’s also a mission close to Crenshaw’s heart. Her father operated a nonprofit in North Carolina for more than 50 years offering education, employment and more to those living with disabilities. 

“We want our gifts to be really focused on patients,” Crenshaw said. “It’s important to give back and do good for others. We are all here to make patient care better.” 

The equipment purchased through the donation provides new challenges while keeping therapy fun and engaging -- key components to support young patients’ therapy and progress.  

“They learn through play,” said Jenn Lewis, senior physical therapist at Tidelands Health Center for Pediatric Development at Myrtle Beach. “Anything we can do to help engage a child, engage our patients, is just one step closer to them reaching their full potential.” 

During a recent therapy session, Julian Powell, 16, sat on the padded floor of the Myrtle Beach center and gazed up with determination at a series of vertical bars. He reached his arms out and up, steadily gripping each bar until he extended farther up than ever – eliciting cheers from his mom and Lewis.  

Julian was born with two conditions that affect movement in his right side and some cognitive functions. Use of the new equipment helps improve his strength, coordination and flexibility – all keys to helping him successfully navigate daily life.  

“It’s a new goal, and he’s really been working hard,” his mom, Elizabeth Powell, said. “He loves coming to therapy in general, and now that he does have that extra equipment, it’s a different type of avenue that he can use. He enjoys it.” 

As a not-for-profit health system, Tidelands Health relies on donations to help fund vital services, attract and retain skilled medical professionals and expand facilities to meet the needs of the growing region.  

“Intellect Resources should be proud of the difference it is making in the lives of our young patients through this donation,” said Beth Conatser, philanthropy director at Tidelands Health. “Because of the firm’s desire to help others, our patients have access to new equipment and technology to support their therapy and help them live better lives. We are incredibly grateful to Intellect Resources for its ongoing partnership and support of our patients.” 

Want to donate? Learn more at tidelandshealth.org/philanthropy. 

Watch a video here. 

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About Tidelands Health 

Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.