A place to bond and be free

With help from Satan’s Little Helper, three energetic little brothers now have the space to move, play and regulate together.

Jessika is a solo mum doing everything she can for her boys Izayah, Cairo and Arlo. Each of them has faced extraordinary challenges already – from autism and sensory processing struggles to medical conditions, surgeries and social hurdles. Life isn’t easy, but, outside in the fresh air, the boys find a sense of peace.

That’s why Satan’s Little Helper stepped in to gift the family a brand-new trampoline, to give them a safe, active space for the boys to be themselves and enjoy the freedom of movement they all love.

Sensory needs and special joys

Izayah, who’s nearly two, has been diagnosed with autism. He doesn’t speak yet and finds busy spaces, new environments and unfamiliar foods overwhelming. But there are three things that always light him up.

“He absolutely loves books, jumping on a trampoline and running,” says Jessika. 

Movement plays a key role in helping him regulate and now, with a large trampoline that fits all three boys, Izayah has a place where he can bounce freely.

A medical miracle

Three-year-old Cairo was born with a hole in his heart, hip dysplasia, bowed femurs and a cleft palate. He also lives with Pierre Robin sequence (a condition characterised by facial abnormalities and upper airway obstruction) as well as a rare mutation of the Dopey1 gene, which has yet to be officially named.

“Cairo is obsessed with swinging, spinning and jumping,” says Jessika. 

The trampoline has become a consistent outlet; a place where Cairo can move through big feelings, seek sensory input, and build strength ahead of his next surgery.

Learning to be seen

Oldest brother Arlo, aged four, is “the kindest, most loving soul,” says Jessika. When Cairo was born with complex health needs, Arlo was just 18 months old and had to adapt quickly to life with a medically fragile sibling.

“He went from an only child with all the attention to sharing with a sick sibling, which wasn’t easy for him”

Arlo has since developed a strong understanding of his brothers’ needs and often helps to de-escalate their meltdowns. 

“Other than myself, Arlo is one other person who can bring Cairo out of a full-blown meltdown!”

Yet socially, Arlo has struggled with confidence. “He just wants to play with everyone but has been shut down so often. He is scared to approach kids to initiate play, because he’s a lot bigger than other kids his age and that makes them wary of him.” 

The trampoline has helped to restore a sense of fun and inclusion, giving Arlo and his brothers the kind of joy all kids deserve.

Bouncing toward brighter days

Jessika has built an outdoor haven using free or salvaged play equipment, but a larger trampoline had always been out of reach – until now.

“I’ve collected and fixed up as much free outdoor play stuff as I can, over the past couple years,” she says. “That’s where they spend most of their time and are at their happiest.”

Now, thanks to a little un-divine intervention, Izayah, Cairo and Arlo have a trampoline large enough for them to jump, play and grow together.