Boy with rare condition raises money for accessible playground in Kankakee

KANKAKEE, Ill. -- A Kankakee family is on a mission to build something for their special needs son that can be enjoyed by children of all abilities.

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Three-year-old Bedford has won over the hearts of millions online as he fights through a rare condition.

His mother Holly shares videos online encouraging him at a playground near their Illinois home.

"I know some people might disagree to try to teach tenacity and grit to your three year old, but he has risen to the challenge," she said.

At 15 months old, Bedford was diagnosed with Schwartz Jampel Syndrome.

There are only about 150 reported cases reported.

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"If you think about how your muscles feel when you're like lifting weights. That's how he feels in all muscles in his entire body at all times," his father Jesse said.

Last May, Holly shared how she wished more playgrounds were accessible for Bedford.

Suddenly, she got the attention of a nonprofit that works in building accessible playgrounds, called Unlimited Play.

Twelve months later, they have raised about $500,000 to build an accessible playground, sport court and pavilion at Bedford's new school

They are still fundraising for the pavilion, but their hope is to open everything this summer.