Best of All — April!

If you’ve spent any time around our Fantastic Friends group, chances are you’ve met April—she and her brothers have been attending since it started! April has a gift for making people feel special, whether she’s welcoming a new participant to the group or offering encouragement to a friend. She truly embodies what it means to be a Fantastic Friend.

April is an active member in her community. She frequents Wyoming Community Coffee to try all kinds of delicious drinks and donates blood regularly (you may even recognize her picture from the Hoxworth Mobile Drive bus—she’s famous!) April enjoys making beautiful floral arrangements and has even been kind enough to give some as gifts to volunteers and staff at GiGi’s.

Kathy, our Fantastic Friends co-lead had this to say about April: “April has been with Fantastic Friends since the very beginning, and we are so grateful for her! She was one of our very first participants and quickly became a bright light in our group. April is kind, caring, and always ready to share a smile or a laugh. She has two brothers who also have Down syndrome, and her love for her family shines through in everything she does. April is truly a joy to be around, and our group is better because of her participation.”

At our June Fantastic Friends program, April had a big Best of All moment—one that showed her courage and her heart. Like all adults, individuals with Down syndrome can face challenges with anxiety, communication, and navigating friendships. After a disagreement with a friend, April made the brave choice to move forward, let go of past hurt, and repair the relationship. It’s never easy to take that first step toward reconciliation, but April did it with grace. We couldn’t be more proud of her.

When we asked her recently what she likes about GiGi’s Playhouse, April told us: “I’ve already learned a lot at GiGi’s Playhouse. I love making arts and crafts, photo frames, and poetry. I love meeting new friends and staff members. I enjoy all the activity.”

April was also featured on the news this past March to talk about GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati, and she shared: “I feel like this is my home here and I’m glad I am part of the Fantastic Friends.”

We invite you to get to know April’s story and what make her so special, through the words of her mom, Susan…

Which program does April participate in at GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati?

Fantastic Friends

Tell us about your amazing loved one!

When April was born in 1988 there were very few places or resources to go to for help. Jim went to a bookstore and found a book that had one paragraph about mongoloidism. Bleak! Fortunately where we lived in Baltimore, there was a Down syndrome parent support group, and the President of it came to visit me. She was telling me about her daughter with Down syndrome that was using the computer. A glimmer of hope. We had to search and fight for many services but it was worth it. Every time we were told she couldn’t do something we disregarded what was said and just pushed ahead.

What has been your favorite moment at GiGi’s Playhouse?

As parents we love meeting other adults with Down syndrome which encourages us. We love seeing them learning and growing together as a group and individually.

How has your loved one grown while attending programs at GiGi’s?

April has learned how to become a better friend.

What has your loved one taught you?

April has taught us not to set limits on what she can and accomplish. Forget plateaus. April, like any other adult, continues to learn new things and grow. I’m 77 and Jim is 83 yet we continue to learn new things daily and so an our kids with DS.

How has GiGi’s supported your entire family?

It has given her dad and me 2 hours once a month of alone time while our kids are learning, and crafting, and acquiring new skills while having fun with their friends.

What is your favorite part about being April’s parents?

Watching her continual growth each and every day.

What is your one hope for April?

That she is surrounded by people that love and support her long after we are gone.

April’s story is a reminder that growth never stops and kindness always matters. Her example inspires not only her friends at Fantastic Friends, but all of us who are lucky enough to know her!