What do Olympians and Bounce members have in common?

Bounce builds community for chronically ill children and their families.

Greetings!

A Letter From The CEO

Friends,

With the Olympics just over and the Paralympics winding down, we've been reminded of the triumph of the human spirit, and what we are all truly capable of. Stories of athletes overcoming impossible odds - emerging from war-torn countries, overcoming what should be career-ending illnesses/injuries - astound and amaze.

Bounce children and their families are another remarkable example of how courage and strength of will can beat the odds, to not just survive - but also thrive. Staring down uncertainty and fear in the face of chronic illness, Bounce members come together to live, to love and to overcome. If you want to see true strength of character, you don't have to travel to Rio. Just look to the Bounce families in your community who all deserve a gold medal. Like me, I think you'll be truly inspired!

Joan Steltmann, Bounce Children's Foundation CEO

Bounce Stories

If you want to see examples of how our Bounce kids show strength and courage,
check out these stories:

Ella Joy- Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, Bounce was a valuable tool in the healing process

Anthony- Doctors told him he'd never walk again, but through strength of will he proved them wrong

Jahrel - Sickle Cell doesn't stop this Bounce child from overcoming his challenges like a champion

Bounce Back with Joy Fundraiser a Huge Success!

The Bounce Back with Joy Cocktail Party last Friday evening was a major success! Hosted by our Emerging Leaders Board (ELB), it surpassed an aggressive $25,000 target, $27,000 or 108% of goal.

Special Thanks to our Sponsors:

* Platinum Sponsor: Skender Foundation

* Gold Sponsors: The Telos Group and Walsh Constuction

* Silver Sponsors: Maron Electric, The Edward S. Sprague Foundation, and West Monroe Partners

* Bronze Sponsors; Accelerank; and Krusinski Construction Company

We also appreciate the support of Dessert Sponsor: Waypoint Advantage, Tequila Sponsor: Tromba,
Gift Card Sponsor: Radish and VIP Gift Bag Sponsor: LWN Jewelry.

Thank you to all who participated, without you none of this would be possible! And kudos to the ELB:

Chair: Pete Delneky, Vice Chairs: Alison Jawor and Yoni Macagon, Treasurer: Sam Eastwood, Secretary: Chelsea Murbach and Members: Angie Aleszczyk, Mo Appalaraju, Carrie Collins, Brian Garner, Jori Goodman, Laynie Held, Ryan Holmes, Chris Jones, Danielle Katz, Mary Lucas, David Ryan, Victoria Sennabaum, Lee Tross, Jason Viane, Alana Widess, Nikki Willens, Ann-Marie Woods

As you may be aware, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. More than 40,000 children each year undergo treatment for the illness; however, on a most positive note 88% of children affected survive! Bounce provides services for children and their families affected by illnesses such as cancer, so they are able to not just survive - but thrive!

For Bounce Families!

Bounce's 5 Ways to Enjoy the Fall!

Fall is the season of change. If you've been cooped up trying to avoid the heat of the summer, here are some ideas to help you get the most out of this time of year!

1) Enjoy the Colors and Cool Weather: with less heat you can go on walks to the park or just sit in the yard and breathe in that crisp air.

2) Fall is the perfect time to visit a farm: see a variety of animals, go on a hay ride or get lost in a corn maze.

3) Go to a football game: whether it's a high-school game or the Bears (see our event from last month), fall is football season.

4) Enjoy a bonfire: cool fall nights are the perfect time to share the communal experience of a bonfire. Also, you have to get those last s'mores in while you can!

5) Hit the town: whether it's Oktoberfest or an art fair, Chicago offers lots of fall fun for the whole family.

Have a tip of your own?

Share with your fellow Bounce families in the Bounce Net!