Colleen Harper

As someone dedicated to helping children and improving their health, Colleen recognizes the immense value of Bounce.

Play is the work of children. That’s how children learn. And Bounce makes sure everyone gets a chance to play and learn.

Colleen Harper has devoted her professional life to the wellbeing of children dealing with unique obstacles. In her current role as Director of Developmental, Rehabilitative and Child Life Services at La Rabida Children’s Hospital, she leads all physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, child life and infant development for the hospital.

To put it lightly, Colleen is a busy woman. But because her number one commitment is to bettering the lives of children, Colleen is a pro-active supporter of Bounce.  She makes the time to recommend Bounce to her patients, and their families, every chance she gets.

“I think Bounce really focuses on the importance of children having fun.  It creates lots of different ways for them to do so – something truly lacking in their lives,” Colleen said. “Bounce helps sick kids do the things healthy kids do normally by taking the extra step to make sure they can fully participate. Parents are able to support each other too, and siblings are also in a place where they understand each other, and can be friends.”

One of Colleen’s favorite aspects of Bounce is that is does exactly what it sets out to do: let all kids be kids.

“Kids need to have fun, and their parents need to remember to see them as children, not just patients,” Colleen said. “When kids are sick, parents get very focused on therapy and trying to find a cure. Sometimes they lose sight of their child because of the pressure and stress. Bounce refocuses the entire family on the fact that it’s okay to have fun and do these normalizing activities. Play is the work of children. That’s how they learn. And Bounce makes sure everyone gets a chance to play and learn.”