Meet Shango, Kate and Jake of BounceBack Kids, a non-profit organization that works to enrich the lives of children with serious medical conditions and their families by offering free year-round recreational, athletic, and social activities in a caring, supportive and medically-safe environment.

2. Shango Nine year old Shango was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2008. He has survived seven surgeries, chemotherapy, six weeks of radiation and numerous infections. Shango joined BounceBack Kids last year. His mom says, "BounceBack Kids has been a bright light in the midst of sickness and pain."

3. Kate suffered from four brain tumors, diabetes, ADD, low bone density and double vision, among other medical problems. She joined BounceBack Kids at the age of 14. Kate says, “My favorite part of the program is having the opportunity to exercise in a pressure-free environment with peers who have experienced similar medical hurdles and coaches who are patient, understanding, and encouraging.” Kate Placeholder Picture of Kate

4. Jake was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was 15 months old. He joined BounceBack Kids when he was 5 years old. Jake’s mom says, “For the past four years, BounceBack Kid's has given him the opportunity to engage socially while learning basketball skills in a non-competitive environment."

5. BounceBack Kids (formerly Hoop Dreams) provides group and individual sports sessions, recreational and social events to children who have a serious medical condition and their families.

6. Services also include a College Planning Guide and support services to families when their children are hospitalized. “ A positive part of the BounceBack Kids experience has been the networking that has occurred within the families. Finding ways to pay for expensive medical treatment is always a challenge, so sharing our successes with each other has been very helpful”, says another parent.

7. Siblings are welcome to participate and everything is provided free of cost. Jake’s mom adds, “We were attracted to BounceBack Kids because it was something our three children could do together. The volunteers treat our affected child and siblings as equals."

8. Through BounceBack Kids, Shango has started to participate in typical childhood activities once again.

9. Through BounceBack Kids, Kate has come to love exercise.

10. Through BounceBack Kids, Jake has found new friends -- other kids with serious illnesses, volunteers and staff.

11. BounceBack Kids receives funding from various foundations, Duke University Hospital, the University of North Carolina Hospitals, the National Basketball Association, the American Board of Pediatrics, and many individuals. Additionally, BounceBack Kids has been the beneficiary of the Duke-UNC Student Basketball Marathon since its inception in 2006.

12. To learn more about our program and to find out how you can get involved as a participant, volunteer, and/or donor, please visit us at www.bouncebackkids.org (919) 246-9100 [email_address]