The Holguin Family
Patio Makeover * HCP Family * Celi’s safe space
This is the story of how a family’s determination to build a safe place for their daughter became Celi’s everyday reality.
For the Holguin family, something as simple as playing outside has never been simple.
Their daughter Araceli, known lovingly as Celi, lives with Hereditary Coproporphyria (HCP). Sun exposure causes her intense pain, blistering, and medical complications, meaning playing outdoors during the daytime was never an option.
For years, Celi could only experience the outdoors after sunset, often watching from the window as her sister played in the backyard.
Celi has already endured more in her nine years than most will in a lifetime. She is non‑verbal, medically fragile, autistic, epileptic, and lives with severe psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and developmental delays. She didn’t walk until she was five years old.
Every outing requires intense planning, tinted vehicles, protective clothing, and constant vigilance. As a family, the Holguins often had to divide and conquer parenting; one staying home with Celi while the other, and the rest of the world, continued on outside.
“Our life revolves around keeping Celi safe and out of the sun,” mother Mickey wrote to Shadow Jumpers.
“Celi would spend all day watching her sister play outside, not understanding why the sun Was keeping her inside.”
Her parents never stopped dreaming of giving Celi the freedom to play, swing, laugh, and to just be a kid in some version of the outdoor daylight. That hope grew into a plan to convert their covered patio into a fully sun‑safe outdoor play space, but the cost and complexity made it feel impossible. Determined yet short on resources and support, the family turned to Shadow Jumpers for help.
The Holguins’ outdoor patio space previously“We completed the necessary forms, sent photos of our inspiration, and even included a fun drawing of our big vision,” the Holguins recalled. “The application said decisions could take up to a month, but to our shock they called later that same day.”
“When Shadow Jumpers told us they wanted to help Celi and assist with the patio renovation, we were completely overwhelmed, everyone started crying with relief and gratitude.”
Working closely together, the Holguins and Shadow Jumpers turned that vision into reality.
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Screen panels were installed around the patio
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blackout curtains added to block harmful UV rays during the day
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artificial turf laid to create a true outdoors feel
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comfortable new furniture for the entire family
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Added sensory stations, swings, and other development play equipment
By day, the patio stays fully shaded, with the curtains closed in direct sunlight. At night, the curtains part once again so Celi can see the moon and stars as she plays with her sister. Her mother says she uses the patio space every single day, swinging, running around, and playing freely in an environment built specifically for her needs.
“Her frustration has eased, and her joy is unmistakable.”
Through this thoughtful patio transformation, Shadow Jumpers didn’t just renovate a space, we helped restore independence, preserve dignity, and bring back a sense of childhood to a family that has sacrificed endlessly to keep their daughter safe.
And for Celi, it means something truly priceless: the long-awaited freedom to step outside, breathe in fresh air, and simply play.
