Dash for a Difference – A Parent’s Perspective

It takes a village to raise a child. There’s a reason this statement isn’t in quotation marks. For any of us with children, we know all too well that this isn’t just mantra, it’s fact.  

When my daughter Selah was diagnosed with Down syndrome, fears immediately flooded my head – How would I support her? How would I learn to deal with the medical complications, the learning challenges, the worries that should achieve the same level of excellence & joy that I see in other children? 

Like so many GiGi’s families, I am blessed to have a village. I am blessed to have a community of individuals that walk alongside me in, sharing in my struggles but also helping me to recognize the great gift I am given in having a daughter with Down syndrome. This is the village of GiGi’s Playhouse Cincinnati.   

Since she was born, our family has always participated in the GiGi’s Playhouse 5K. And what an amazing event it has been! 

There is nothing like seeing friends, family, co-workers, & community come out to champion individuals with Down syndrome, supporting them and cheering them on as we make a bold statement:  

Down syndrome is to be celebrated! 

This is my new mantra. This is the fight song of the terrific village that has come around my family, lifting up my daughter, and ensuring she knows how capable & wonderfully made she truly is.   

This is not just a 5K – this is a dash that makes a difference.  

It’s a beautiful thing to see how many people show up for our daughter each year. But it’s truly remarkable to see how many show up for the Down syndrome community. And I just can’t wait to see how many people step up to the challenge this year. 

WRITTEN BY: Written by Vinny Cevasco