Isa & JuanCa

“Bounce makes dreams come true, for everybody.”

Adding twins to any family is a huge undertaking. Suddenly, there are two more mouths to feed, two more bodies to clothe and two more kids demanding attention. When Santiago and Francisco, affectionately known as Santi and Panchi, were born extremely prematurely in 2011, resulting in later diagnoses of Cerebral Palsy, epilepsy and a host of other developmental and medical conditions, the Chiwah family underwent an even greater upheaval.

In an instant, life became defined by diagnosis, especially for older siblings Isabela (Isa) and Juan Carlos (JuanCa). The twins’ entrance into the world forced the then 4-year-old and 2-year-old to spend night after night in friends’ homes while their parents practically lived in the hospital. To this day, instead of basking in the sun at summer camp, they sit in a waiting room alongside their mom while the twins get extra therapy during off months from school. During a family trip in August, a seizure forced parents, Kathy and Juan, to rush Santi to the emergency room, leaving the duo with Panchi and a family friend.

Isa, now 13, and JuanCa, now 11, worry about what most kids their age don’t even have the capacity to understand. They fill the role of the sibling to one with special needs. Or in this case, two. It’s no easy task, demanding sacrifice, patience and empathy.

It is also a role that generates a tremendous amount of stress. Soft-spoken and mighty poised for someone just entering ‘teendom’, Isa speaks eloquently about her experience with Bounce Children’s Foundation – and as the big sister of the family. She also speaks to the impact this role has had on her, struggling with anxiety and OCD as a result. To Isa, Bounce gets it.

“Sometimes we go places and people don’t understand,” said Isa. “I feel bad and get worried. But at Bounce, it’s not weird to have my brothers there. Everyone gets it.”

The Chiwah family joined Bounce four years ago, allowing them to enjoy events and activities beyond their ability to execute, logistically and financially. JuanCa, a vibrant boy who loves reading and playing in the snow, is cheerful when rapidly reciting all his favourite Bounce Bashes. But he turns introspective when talking about the impact of Bounce.

“We are not alone,” said JuanCa. “Bounce helps our whole family do things together.  It doesn’t just focus on special needs.”

“Yeah,” Isa chimed in. “Bounce makes dreams come true, but for everybody.”

The unique ability to encompass the entire family, not just the sick kid, is distinctive to Bounce and not duplicated elsewhere. Bounce believes everyone, including Isa and JuanCa, deserves to feel seen and valued, because chronic illness reverberates throughout the entire family.