Published: June 23, 2009 01:26 pm      

Family practice

DANVILLE — Since they moved to Danville 5½ years ago, Dr. Chris Robinson and his wife, Daysha, have used some creative techniques to build a very successful chiropractic practice and at the same time raise money for local charities.

Daysha said, “We’ve always felt that it’s important to give back to the community where we live. If possible, we try to give to local organizations that help children.”

The Robinsons’ biggest fundraiser was last July for Alexis Brianne Hagan, the 3-year-old girl who lost her parents in a car/motorcycle accident earlier that month.

“Our daughter, Ava, was just 3 years old at the time of the accident,” Chris said, “and this tragedy really hit home with us.” Robinson Chiropractic matched the money that was raised in the practice, and ended up contributing $2,400 altogether to Alexis’ scholarship fund.

The monthly fundraisers at Robinson Chiropractic work like this: All new patients receive a consultation, examination, myovision, X-rays (if needed) and a report of the findings for $20. The value of this package would normally be $150. The Robinsons, in turn, give the $20 to the charity that they’ve designated for that month or months.

Robinson Chiropractic has a history of supporting the community. The business has staged fundraisers for the Danville Boys & Girls Club, the U.S.O., and the Danville Police Department’s Clothes for Kids fund drive.

They also sponsor a food drive for the Danville Food Pantry every November. “We ask our patients to bring in non-perishable food items in exchange for certain services,” Robinson said, “and they love the concept.”

Currently, the business is raising money for the Illinois Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Services of Illinois. They already have $600 and hope to eventually raise $2,000 from their patients.

The Robinsons personally support a variety of community events, and Chris welcomes the opportunity to give educational programs to businesses, churches, and civic groups.

Rickey Williams Jr., executive director of Boys & Girls Club, said, “Dr. Robinson has thought of a really unique way to raise money for charity and bring in new patients at the same time. It’s a win-win situation for everybody — his practice, the patients that he helps, and the charities that he supports.

“Dr. Robinson has been on the Boys & Girls Club board for four years and is also co-chair of their fundraising committee. He has made considerable donations to our organization, both professionally and personally, and the children reap the benefits of his generosity.”

Chiropractic services

Chris said, “Most people don’t realize this, but everybody should have their spine checked periodically. A misaligned spine is the root of many health problems. I even recommend that newborns get a spine check-up.”

That’s why Chris offers computerized spinal screenings at community health fairs and businesses.

“If the patient wants to follow up with an exam and X-rays, then I can perform adjustments,” he said. “The treatments can eliminate pain in many areas of the body and also provide other health benefits.”

The doctor is working toward certification in pediatric chiropractics through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association in Chicago. He is also certified to do chiropractic treatments on pregnant women.

Family life

Chris and his wife both grew up in small towns in Illinois, near the Kentucky border. They were friends since grade school, but didn’t start dating until they were in college.

Daysha earned a degree in administration of justice from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, and she worked as a paralegal while her husband was studying at the Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, Mo.

The Robinsons chose to open a practice in Danville for a couple of reasons.

“We wanted to stay in Illinois because both our families live here,” Daysha said. “We also wanted to live in a small town, and Danville is a small town with many of the amenities of a larger town. The people here have been so nice and welcoming.”

Chris admitted that the first couple of years after opening the business were difficult.

“It took a lot of hard work to build up the practice,” he said. But after a few years, the clinic grew so much that in March they brought Dr. Kevin Alizadeh on board.

“Before my associate came, our regular patients were waiting two to three weeks to get in for a follow-up visit, and I didn’t want that situation to continue,” Chris said.

With long work hours and parenting Ava, the Robinsons have little time for themselves. They are getting back into running, however, and have joined the Kennekuk Road Runners. Daysha also is training for a triathlon in Chicago.

The Robinsons frequently take their daughter to Winter Park to play, and they have gone camping as a family at Kickapoo State Park.

Even at her young age, Ava has a busy schedule. She takes swimming lessons and gymnastics at the Danville YMCA, and dance lessons at Marilyn’s Danceworks. She also has her own little flower garden in the family’s back yard.