3-Year-Old Raises Funds for Inclusive Playground at Illinois School
A 3-year-old boy with a rare muscle and bone condition has helped his family raise about $500,000 for an accessible playground at his Kankakee, Illinois school. The project includes a playground, sport court and pavilion and is scheduled for completion by summer.
bbc.co.ukA 3-year-old boy with a rare muscle and bone condition has helped raise about $500,000 for an inclusive playground at his school in Kankakee, Illinois. Bedford Erickson, 3, has Schwartz-Jampel syndrome, a condition that causes permanent muscle stiffening and bone abnormalities.
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The National Institutes of Health's Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center states that the disorder can worsen over time. Medline Plus reports that about 150 cases have been documented in medical literature.
Bedford's parents, Hollie Erickson and Jesse Erickson, have shared videos of his progress on social media. Jesse Erickson told ABC News that Bedford's muscles feel constantly strained, similar to the sensation after lifting weights. Hollie Erickson has posted footage of Bedford learning to use a walker and navigating playground steps.
The family has received attention from hundreds of thousands of followers who track Bedford's daily adaptations. Hollie Erickson wrote that she would make all parks accessible if possible, but noted that Bedford does not appear to mind the current limitations.
A nonprofit called Unlimited Play partnered with the family to build an accessible playground, sport court and pavilion at Bedford's school, which serves students from preschool through 12th grade. The group has raised about $500,000 in the past year.
Ground has been broken on the project. The Ericksons said they hope construction will finish by summer and continue to seek additional donations. Hollie Erickson said the experience has reinforced a message of resilience. "Life is hard, but life is also wonderful," she said.
Key Facts
Potential Impact
- 01
Students at the Kankakee school will gain access to an accessible playground and sport court.
- 02
The family plans to continue fundraising until the project is finished.
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