Saturday’s rain didn’t stop a few hundred people from coming out to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bedford’s Playground at Grace Christian Academy in Kankakee. It was just around one year ago that the Erickson family, along with national nonprofit Unlimited Play, began fundraising to build an inclusive playground for their three-year-old son, Bedford, who has an ultra-rare genetic disorder called Schwartz-Jampel Syndrome. Bedford and his condition have garnered worldwide attention over the past year, moving from viral social media videos to coverage in major outlets like People Magazine.
The ceremony began inside Grace’s gymnasium with Bedford—held in his father Jesse’s arms—welcoming everyone.
A prayer was then offered, followed by Unlimited Play founder Natalie Mackay speaking about how support reached far beyond the local community.
Bedford’s father, Jesse Erickson, got a little choked up as he spoke about how much the community’s support has meant to his family.
Hollie Erickson, Bedford’s mother, said the recent abundance of rain and mud in the area was a reflection of what their life has felt like over the past few years.
The Ericksons, who live in nearby Aroma Township, say over $700,000 was raised for the inclusive playground, which is open to the public when school is not in session. Plans are already in place to expand the space before the end of the year by adding sports courts. When Bedford starts his first year at Grace later this week, he will have a playground he can easily enjoy alongside his classmates and any other students with mobility challenges. The Ericksons’ oldest son, Linkoln, who does not have SJS, is already a student at the school. Grace Christian Academy is located southeast of Kankakee along Waldron Road, nestled in the city’s 7th Ward.
More About SJS
Schwartz-Jampel Syndrome (SJS) causes continual muscle stiffness and abnormal bone growth throughout the entire body. SJS is so rare that there have only been 150 reported cases in recorded medical history. While there is no cure, symptoms can be managed with medications, physical therapy, and surgeries.
More on Bedford’s Story
Hollie and Jesse Erickson shared Bedford’s story on an episode of This One Time in Kankakee on the WVLI Podcast Network earlier this year.
Listen to the episode here or wherever you get your podcasts: https://wvli927.com/2026/05/18/we-raised-over-half-a-million-dollars-for-an-inclusive-playground-in-less-than-a-year/
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