What: The Rolling Pumpkin Patch
Where: 2900 Tera Lane, Bessemer, 35203
When: Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 10am-4pm
Info: Lakeshore youth member Lily Dobson and her family have big plans for Halloween season. Ten year old Lilly, with the help of her parents, and staff from Lakeshore Foundation are creating an accessible pumpkin patch for a Halloween party. It’s called The Rolling Pumpkin Patch and Lily has invited more than 200 of her friends, especially her friends who use walkers or wheelchairs. There will be accessible pumpkin hunting, petting zoo, hayrides, face painting treats and fun picture opportunities.
Background Story on Lily:
If you are looking for Lakeshore youth member Lily Dobson, she might be swimming at the pool, her second favorite activity next to wheelchair basketball. Dobson plays basketball and is on the swim team at Lakeshore. Getting to this point has been a long journey for the whole family.
In 2012, two years after the earthquake in Haiti, Lily was born with arthrogryposis, a congenital condition affecting joint movement. Little did anyone know that wheels were already in motion to bring Lily to a new home in Birmingham, Alabama. “We wanted to grow our family and we prayed about it,” said Jennifer Dobson, Lily’s mother. “It was a 7-year adoption process, we took 6 trips to Haiti and on our 7th, we brought Lily home when she was 3 ½. “
As Lily settled into her new home, she also visited Lakeshore Foundation. “Lily fell in love as soon as she walked in the door,” Jennifer said. “Swimming and exercise classes were Lily’s first activities before being invited to play basketball. Her first year was a learning experience, but in season two she scored her first points and showed her competitiveness. While basketball is great, it’s also helped in other ways. One day she was struggling with schoolwork and her coach, Lauren Perry, had her do homework during practice. I will ever be thankful to coach Lauren for that,” Jennifer added.
Lily’s teammates and coaches have meant the world while playing her dream sport. Look for #10 at a gym near you. Lily will be wearing bright pink socks. “I like to stand out,” Lily says.
Interviews are available both before the event as setup work gets underway, and during the event.
For More Information, Contact:
Damian M. Veazey
Associate Director of Communications
205-332-4438