Bounce Women
Ranging in age from 45 to 75, the Bounce women have diverse backgrounds and common beliefs. We all believe in living life as a journey of growth and transformation. We believe life is to be enjoyed, and at the same time we are determined to contribute to the world around us.
Susan, a former Playboy bunny, body-builder, and organizational consultant, faced two enormous setbacks in her mid-40s: a head injury as a result of an automobile accident and the death of her husband while they were on a scuba diving trip in the Caribbean. She is now preparing for a body-building competition at the age of 58. She sits on the board of Global-HELP, an organization that makes children’s medical research available to doctors in developing countries free of charge.
Katherine, an artist and sculptress, found herself divorced and broke at the age of 30. She worked creating lost cast sculptures until she became ill from the toxins in the materials. She is now 59 and remarried. She, her son and husband have designed and built an energy-independent
home and studio. Together they design jewelry that is currently sold at the Museum of Modern Art in Chicago, New York’s MOMA, and others.
Patricia, a mechanical and nuclear engineer, waited till her late 30s to marry, inheriting two stepchildren. Her husband had a dream of owning his own business and she decided to support his dream, agreeing to sign for loans. After 10 years of marriage, he told her it was over, there was someone else. She was shocked but even more distressed when she discovered she was responsible for all the business debt. Patricia lost her anger, and gained compassion, walking
600 miles in preparation for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure® breast cancer fundraiser. She considers it one of the most fulfilling experiences of her life. She bounced
further, changing jobs from a company where good relationships were not important to a company that places a high value on relationships within and outside the company.
Sarah, a 51-year-old accountant, was surprised to discover that her husband of 27 years who had wanted a divorce to “discover” himself actually had a one-year-old son. Sarah decided to stop grieving and start bouncing, transforming herself by writing a book, Play the Real Life Money Game with Your Teen. She is now a talk show regular and expert on kids and money.
Pepper, professor of sociology at the University of Washington, is a divorced mother of two and world-renowned sociologist who recently published her autobiography, Prime: Adventures and Advice on Sex, Love and the Sensual Years. At 64, Pepper teaches, speaks and writes on relationships and sexuality.
Elizabeth, at 75, is a single, independent woman who loves playing golf and raising two of her granddaughters. As a very young child, Elizabeth developed life-threatening asthma
and allergies that led to a very sheltered childhood, leaving her unprepared to cope with a physically and emotionally abusive husband. She has pioneered a research endowment at Seattle Children’s Hospital for investigation into childhood asthma and allergies.
