The GiGi’s Impact- A Volunteer’s Story of Connecting Through Down syndrome

We recently received an email from a past volunteer, sharing a recent experience she had! Read her story below:

Amy’s Story
“My name is Amy and I volunteered with your team a few years ago. I was with reading and math tutoring and with the teen drama performances. I currently work as an occupational therapist and wanted to share a story!

Amy Cohen

I work in home health with seniors and today met a client for the first time, Rose. As I was assessing her safety with removing clothes from her closet, she proudly showed me a basket at the bottom of her closet filled with trucks, Legos, and other toys. Rose shared with me that her son, age 60, has Down syndrome and that when he comes to visit he enjoys playing with his toys.

She went on to tell me about when he was born. The hospital suggested she “put him away and forget she ever had him”. At the time, this was a common practice, but it was not acceptable to her and her family. Rose spoke so fondly of raising her son and how kind and big-hearted he is.

Rose told me a story of a time when their family was out for a walk. Her son was a young adult, and two teenage boys started making fun of him because he looked different. Her husband calmly looked at the boys and asked them why they were making fun of him. They had no response. He proceeded to tell them that his son was much nicer than they were- he would never make fun of someone. Her husband told the boys to shake his hand and apologize, which they did.

Rose’s son has lived in a group home since his early 20s. She said he is very happy there, because he is busy all day long! I naturally shared my volunteering at GiGi’s and we had a wonderful time sharing experiences.

Thank you for making such a positive difference for people and families who know the love an extra chromosome can bring. While family responsibilities have made it hard for me to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse lately, I hope to be able to in the future.”

Thank You!
We are so thankful for people like Amy who believe in GiGi’s Playhouse, and the work we do! Together, we are changing the way the world views Down syndrome! #bestofall #generationG

educate.inspire.believe.