Robyn Hart

Child Life Services Director at Rush Children’s Hospital

“I firmly believe Bounce builds resiliency, and helps children cope better with their illness or disability.”

It’s one thing to say Bounce Children’s Foundation is fun, and quite another to say it’s good for sick kids; but that’s exactly what Robyn Hart, Child Life Services Director, Rush Children’s Hospital, knows. “Research shows children who have positive life experiences, who are supported, who laugh and find joy, have positive physiological responses like increased T-cell production and lower blood pressure, which spur healing. We know all of these help them get better.”

Robyn should know, she’s literally ‘written the book’; a textbook that is, on Child Life. Also an Adjunct Professor at the Erickson Institute in addition to directing the Child Life program at Rush Robyn has received numerous commendations for leadership. In short, Robyn has a wealth of training, knowledge and experience about what’s best for sick kids. Notes Robyn, “I firmly believe Bounce builds resiliency, and helps children cope better with their illness or disability.”

Robyn recognizes the value of Bounce providing families with access to things that might not otherwise be available to them, and to be together. “The kids are so excited. So many bad things happen to them, these are the good experiences. And, because Bounce is local, kids and families can form life-long friendships.”

“Bounce is an important tool not just for kids and their families, it’s also a critical resource to us as healthcare providers. We want to help patients while they are here, and when they go home. When we refer families to Bounce, we know they will get some of the support they need outside the hospital.”

When asked if she recommends Bounce to chronically ill children and their families, Robyn’s answer was easy: “Absolutely. Without reservation. And often!”