Tommy

Bounce provides the invaluable opportunity for Tommy to forget his medical challenges and enjoy being a kid through Bounce Bash® events.

It’s the camaraderie of everyone having the same situation and knowing nobody will look at you funny because of your special equipment.

Tommy is a fighter – whether battling Pokemon and robots, or even in real life. Dealing with Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome (CHAOS), Tommy had a tracheotomy even before his umbilical cord was cut. Looking at him now you’d never know he’s been through so much, as he enthusiastically signs his favorite moments at Bounce Bash®Chicago Bears Training Camp, “meeting the players, and especially owner George McCaskey!” Finally coming home at 10 months old, Tommy was dependent on a tracheostomy tube and ventilator to breathe as well as a feeding pump to ensure he got adequate nutrition. Ten years later a nurse ensures his airway and ventilator remain clear along with administering tube feedings, but he’s come an incredibly long way. Using an iPod to communicate, Tommy “makes sure he clearly expresses not just his point, but also his fun personality!” mom, Maggie, says. A four year member of the Tinley Park Bobcats summer baseball team, Tommy is a very active child. But being chronically ill makes other activities, like going to the pool with friends, off limits. Tommy and his family find stress free fun through Bounce. “It’s the camaraderie of everyone having the same situation and knowing nobody will look at you funny because of your special equipment.” Maggie says. And Bounce supports in other ways too. “The home healthcare industry is a nightmare to figure out. Finding other families who have experienced the same thing has helped us so much.” For families thrust into the realities of chronically illness, Bounce enables Tommy and his family to keep fighting!