Bounce builds community for chronically ill children and their families 

enabling transformation from surviving to thriving - - until cures are found. 
Greetings!

A Letter From The CEO

Friends,

With the help of a few special leprechauns, the  Chicago River has magically turn emerald green in honor of St. Patrick's Day. And today the city is fully immersed in Irish luck. Bounce surrounds us with luck too.  The only difference is that the luck  experienced at Bounce is driven by a dynamic community of selfless, hardworking, passionate and risk-taking individuals.  

Our latest example:  Bounce has achieved the 2017 Top-Rated Nonprofit
status with GreatNonprofits.  What an accomplishment!!

But we're not done yet.  Our next challenge is to achieve 'Top 10' status - with your help!  Please be a part of creating this Bounce luck by clicking here to share why you love Bounce and how Bounce makes a difference in your life.

Wishing you a March filled with joy, health and lucky four-leaf clovers! 

Joan Steltmann, CEO

Breaking News:  Bounce Back Kit™ Program Almost Ready to Launch!

What are Bounce Back Kits™?

Bounce Back Kits™ are fun-filled, and uniquely themed, care packages sent to Bounce family homes during times of medically necessitated  'lock in' (pre-surgery, post-chemo, during severe flare-ups, etc.,).  They are also sent to recognize holidays, birthdays and important milestones.  Contents include items such as: games, videos, books, recipes, gift cards, snacks, arts & crafts, decorations, & STEM projects. Focused on joy, distraction and resilience building 'inspiration-in-a-box', Bounce Back Kits™ provide both a valuable sense of relief from boredom and a feeling of togetherness for Bounce kids and families when it’s difficult to bounce back from setbacks.

Why haven't I heard of and/or received a Bounce Back Kit™?

Because they are just launching.  All member families will receive their first Bounce Back Kit™ by the end of April with our thanks for all the joy they add to the Bounce community.  

Future Bounce Back Kits™ will be sent periodically to Bounce families and can always be requested via BounceNet™.

How can I get involved with the Bounce Back Kit™ Program?

You and/or your organization have three options: 

  •  Sponsor a Bounce Back Kit™
  •  Help Pack Bounce Back Kits™
  •  Donate Items for Bounce Back Kits™

To learn more or to get involved, please Click Here.
Bounce Families: make sure to join us for our next Bounce Bash™!
Bounce Children's Foundation presents: 

the critically acclaimed and hugely popular

Pete's Dragon

at The Renaissance Cinema in Highland Park

Saturday, March 25, 2017 9:30am - 12:30pm

Critic's claim that, "Parents will love this sweet throwback Disney film, and their kids will be enchanted by Pete and his friendly dragon."

Please Note: Bounce has rented the entire theater so your family can comfortably view the movie among friends!  Feel free to attend to your child's needs during the movie and/or step out as needed .
Join Us in Celebrating Our
Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) Partners!

March is Child Life Month.  We salute our CCLS partners! 

If you aren't familiar with Child Life Specialists, you might wonder what they do.  The better question is what doesn't a Child Life Specialist do? In the eyes of Bounce kids, they are real life  superheroes! 

 Bounce Children's Foundation supports, loves & honors you always! 
Kids from Blank Children's Hospital in Iowa share how Child Life makes a difference in their lives!
Ideas for a  Bouncy 
St. Patrick's Day Filled with Luck!

Leprechaun Crafts!  

Leprechaun Science!

Share your ideas for making this St. Patrick's Day special at Bounce Net!
Bounce Bash™  Space Rocks & Bones
was a Rocking Success! 
Bouncing around The Field Museum in handmade dinosaur feet! 

Last month we gathered at The Field Museum for a fun day of discovery filled with cool crafts, hands-on group activities, museum exploration, and private tours of the world-famous fossil "SUE".  

The claim "No dinosaur in the world compares to SUE—the largest, most complete and best preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex ever found", is true!  We were all mesmerized by the 3,922 pound TRex. 

Check out our new and improved YouTube Channel for a taste of the action-packed day and other Bounce Bash™ events! 
Our sincere gratitude to The Field Museum for partnering with us to create a fascinating and engaging experience for Bounce kids and families.  
A Boost from Bounce...
                                                             ...designed to inspire smiles and foster resilience:     

       "Life will not always deliver your desired outcomes.
It has to teach you that your spirit will get its muscle by
bouncing back and giving it all you can."
                                                                   -Dodinsky, New York                           Times  Best-Selling Children's Author                                                                                                            
From simply surviving to truly thriving!