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Inspiring Stories
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Sarah: Where She is Free to Be
Five-year-old Sarah has a sparkling personality. She has cerebral palsy which affects her ability to sit, stand and walk but she does not let that stop her from experiencing the simple joy of being a kid on her Boundless playground.
When she was two, Sarah's mother Stefani, accepted an invitation to join a playgroup at their neighborhood park. While other parents chased their children around the playground, Stefani sat quietly reading to Sarah in her wheelchair on the sidelines. At that moment, Stefani started dreaming of an inclusive playground where all children, including her Sarah, could experience the freedom of playing together.
“With generous support from CVS Caremark and guidance from Boundless Playgrounds, I had the opportunity to build a special place where my daughter doesn't have to wonder if she can play,” Stefani said. “Freedom Playground is a place where Sarah and children of all abilities are free to be.”
Army Corporal Cabaniss: Finding His Way to Recovery
While in Iraq, Army Corporal Jeremy Cabaniss survived an explosion when his Humvee was attacked but now suffers from a traumatic brain injury as a result of the blast.
“When I first came home I just wanted to stay in bed all day,” he recalls.
The Boundless Playground at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, serves as a place for Jeremy to engage in physical therapy while reconnecting with his family and finding his way to a full recovery.
“The playground helped me to realize that I have to get out there and work at feeling better for me and my family.”
Vanessa is an energetic and curious five-year-old. She has Down syndrome and although it may take her longer to learn things, Vanessa’s mother Janelle, noticed a change in her since visiting their local Boundless playground.
“On this Boundless playground, I do things with Vanessa that are therapy for her, helping her learn and reach her goals…That in essence is what these playgrounds are doing – helping children with special needs feel welcomed as they interact with other kids,” Janelle commented.
“Now, I don’t have to be so worried because she is becoming more self sufficient. For me, that makes all the difference in the world,” she added.
Koushik: Everyone is More Alike Than Different
His infectious smile and quick humor could light up any room. As he enters, people notice Koushik first and his wheelchair second. Although born with several physical and emotional challenges, Koushik's zest for life could immediately be seen as he races up the ramp and plays at his local Boundless playground. For Koushik’s mother Margo, a Boundless playground is both a blessing and a gift.
“At our Boundless playground it was like the whole world opened up for Koushik,” Margo said. “He found other kids who would take him to play on the equipment. The smile on his face… that’s when the sun shone. It was like he was in an eclipse before and all of a sudden the sun shone on his face.”
His father Bruce adds, “There are days when you wake up and find it hard to put one foot in front of the other. But then I look at Koushik and he can’t get up and put one foot in front of the other. Yet he wakes up happy and cheerful every day.”
At seven years old, Matthew Cavedon was first introduced to the concept of inclusive play for all on a playground. Although born with a disorder that limits his mobility, Matthew never allows his disability to affect his ability to make a difference in the lives of others.
“The magic of play and working to bring the joy of play to others cannot be described. It must be experienced,” he commented.
Since 1995, Matthew has designed an accessible boat swing, successfully led a campaign to raise $300,000 for a Boundless playground at his former elementary school and was elected to the National Council on Disability Youth Advisory Committee. Today, Matthew is a student at Harvard University, where he hopes to continue affecting change.
Today, Matthew is a student at Harvard University, where he hopes to affect change by uniting communities.
“Boundless Playgrounds has transformed my world by showing me a way to rise up and help others.”
