Why we run, walk and dash for Down syndrome…
When Colin was born in 2003, there was no GiGi’s Playhouse. Credible information about Down syndrome was hard to come by. There was literally a paragraph about Trisomy 21 in “What to Expect What You’re Expecting,” hospital brochures that were severely outdated, and plenty of commentary in online forums (where no one goes to share positive information). We were craving a place that could help us see the unlimited potential — rather than the limitations — of our newborn son.
Luckily GiGi’s Playhouse was founded a year later, and we’ve been involved nearly since its beginnings. We’d trek out to Hoffman Estates for 2&under Playgroups, celebrate various holidays (including New Year’s at Noon) with our Down syndrome family, and bask in our community.
In 2006, we were among the core families who brought GiGi’s Playhouse to the city of Chicago. In part, the move was selfish; we didn’t/couldn’t head out to the suburbs for literacy tutoring every week. We’d rather bring the mountain to us. But it was also altruistic. Chicago was too big a city to not have a place for people with Down syndrome (and their families) to call their own. We founded one location, closed it, and reopened another.
We’ve even continued our involvement after moving away from the city. Why? Because we remember how alone and hopeless we felt in those first few weeks (indeed, months) after Colin was born, and we never want another family to feel that way. Because they don’t have to. GiGi’s celebrates the unlimited potential of all people with Down syndrome, and challenges them to achieve at the top of their capabilities. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate that?
That’s why we run (and walk and dash). Every year. And will continue to do so long into the future.
https://gigisplayhouse.org/chicago-region-5k-fun-run
Together we are changing the way the world views Down syndrome!#GiGisBelieves #BestofAll #strength
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