Best of All – Griffin!

This month, we’re celebrating Griffin, or as he’s affectionately known in GiGiFIT, “Griffin Bob,” for giving his Best of All in everything he does. Whether he’s holding the longest plank during GiGiFIT or exploring the beat in Project Pulse, Griffin stays focused and determined to meet every goal set before him. But it’s not just his strength and commitment that shine; it’s his unbeatable sense of humor and vibrant personality! From proudly announcing his favorite drink is “apple juice, no ice, on an airplane” to keeping our volunteers laughing with his quick wit, Griffin brings energy, enthusiasm, and determination to every program. We invite you to learn more about our friend Griffin through the lens of his fiercest advocates, who are better known as – Griffin’s Gang.

Griffin first came to GiGi’s thanks to support services his family was already connected with in Northeast Ohio. When they heard that a Playhouse was opening right in their own neighborhood, just blocks from their house, the excitement was immediate. Since those early days, Griffin has grown alongside the Playhouse, trying new programs, making lifelong friends, and truly thriving.

Right now, Griffin is a rock star in both GiGiFIT and Project Pulse. These programs allow him to move, express himself, and connect with peers in meaningful ways. Griffin’s Gang shares that while hard to pick just one, their favorite GiGi’s moment is “to watch him at his Project Pulse recitals – he loves his time with that group!  He is so confident, comfortable, happy, and proud when he is at Project Pulse.”

Outside the Playhouse, Griffin is just as busy. As a student at Garfield Middle School, he’s learning and growing every day. He’s a drummer in the school band, a basketball fan, a swimmer, an artist, a board game lover, and a Pokémon card collector extraordinaire. He also happens to be a pro at shooting hoops and cracking jokes. His humor and energy light up every room he enters.

While Griffin is a joy to be around, there is much more to him. He’s also incredibly hardworking. His family beams with pride watching him jump out of the car each morning for school, ready to take on the day. Every challenge he’s faced, he meets it with persistence and strength.

Early on, Griffin’s Gang remembers grappling with fears of the unknown when they received his Down syndrome diagnosis. They wondered what the future might look like, especially when it came to participating in activities with his peers. Those fears quickly faded as Griffin jumped into life headfirst, showing everyone that he can do all the things he loves, in his own way. He’s taught his family and everyone around him that inclusion is not just possible, it’s powerful. Griffin’s Gang shares, “He soaks up knowledge like a sponge and we are so very proud of the young man he is growing into. He is sensitive and has a great sense of humor – there are hundreds of moments in a day that just confirm we hit the jackpot when we had Griffin.”

Being Griffin’s advocate means being a voice, a teammate, and a student all at once. His family has learned the value of collaboration, working closely with therapists, educators, and community programs to support his needs and highlight his strengths. Organizations like Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio (DSANEO), Cleveland Clinic, and of course, GiGi’s Playhouse, have played an important role in helping Griffin grow into the amazing person he is today.

When people meet Griffin, it doesn’t take long for them to see his spark. That’s why his family encourages curiosity. Ask questions, say hello, and take the time to get to know him. The more people understand who Griffin is, the more they celebrate all he brings to the table.

So, what’s the best part about being Griffin’s Gang? Griffin, of course. He has this magical ability to bring people together, to show what really matters, and to remind us that love leads the way through every challenge, every triumph, and every ordinary day made extraordinary by his presence. “Griffin has taught us so much about resilience and strength.  Knowing there are things that are just naturally harder for him and may take more time for him, it’s inspiring watching him tackle those things with persistence, strength and humor.  It is something we hold on to each day in our own lives and reminds us to keep going.  His humor, his positive impact on everyone around him – it’s truly a gift.”

As Griffin continues to grow, his family holds onto one big hope: that the world will boldly embrace inclusion. That people will recognize and celebrate differences, and never count anyone out, especially Griffin. “He is strong, he is capable and when you give yourself the chance to know him, you’ll be happy you did.”

If you take one thing away from Griffin’s story, let it be this: Love. Griffin’s Gang shares, “We’re so lucky Griffin is taking us on this wild, wonderful, awesome ride.  When we received Griffin’s diagnosis, we experienced a flood of emotions. Initially, we were scared, sad, and nervous if we could be the parents he needed.  And love leads the way.  Love helps us meet the challenges each day brings, and love is a huge part of every victory we have.”

From the very beginning, love has guided this journey. It’s what turned fear into strength and uncertainty into celebration. And it’s love that makes every step of this wild, wonderful ride worth it.

Thank you, Griffin, for being exactly who you are and sharing your bold and bright light with everyone around you. Your joy, resilience, and heart inspire us more than you know. The world is better, kinder, and brighter because of you.