Kathryn

Bounce provides social and emotional stimulation and growth.

“Bounce provides physical, social and emotional stimulation.”

For a lot of little kids, socializing comes easy. It’s knocking on a neighbour’s door unannounced to play, meeting a new mate at the playground during a game of tag or generously sharing Legos at daycare. Physical, social and emotional development come naturally with time and practice.

But for Reid, 5, Cerebral Palsy changes the way external encounters affect him, in part due to physical handicaps such as moving with a walker or wheelchair. He much prefers the safety and comfort of home. Meanwhile, his sister Mara, 2, is a social butterfly, creating conflict within the home about whether to go out or not.

Mother, Kathryn, aims to help Reid make developmental progress with both his motor and emotional skills, which is challenging as he is hesitant to try new things. Finding Bounce has provided the Hopkins family with structured and organized fun that gets the whole family excited and attending events they describe as “off our radar.”

“Reid is very bright, but it is challenging for him to relate to other kids,” said Kathryn. “Bounce provides physical, social and emotional stimulation, whether that’s the Brookfield Zoo Bounce Bash® or a Bounce Back Kit® with Inside Out, an entire movie dedicated to dealing with emotions.”

Through Bounce It Forward®, Reid and his father, Jeremy, were also able to experience his first Chicago Cubs game, Reid’s favorite team since learning to say, “Go Cubs!” One-on-one time was created for not only Reid and his dad at the stadium, but also for Mara and her mom, who got to explore a new playground nearby.

Reid said that the best part of his Cubs game experience was cheering with all the other fans and getting to sing “Go Cubs Go” after they won the game. He got the red carpet treatment at Wrigley Field, with a certificate commemorating his first game, a goodie bag filled with Cubs items, and a used-game ball. He and his dad even got to go onto the field after the game!

Bounce creates an environment in which Reid can continue to grow physically, socially and emotionally. Engaging the whole family and pulling him out of his comfort zone, while still remaining in a safe and comfortable space, Bounce helps Reid and his loved ones shift from surviving to thriving.