Best of All – Jane!

Jane is a force to be reckoned with—a sassy, spunky, and smart young girl who lights up every room she enters. Whether she’s dancing to her favorite music, exploring a sensory bin at the Playhouse, or laughing with her brother and sister, Jane’s energy is contagious. She embraces life with enthusiasm, empathy, and an undeniable spark that makes her unforgettable. For those reasons and many more, Jane was selected as this month’s Best of All! We invite you to learn more about Jane through the lens of her dad, Chris!

From the moment Jane steps into GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, she radiates pure excitement and joy. Her enthusiasm is electric, filling the space with laughter, energy, and a sense of adventure. It’s impossible not to smile when Jane is around—her presence is a gift to everyone at the Playhouse. When her family moved to the area in 2023 and discovered GiGi’s, they were instantly hooked. Jane dove headfirst into programs like Destination Discovery, Music Makers, Drama Troupe, Speech Therapy, and Literacy Tutoring, embracing each new challenge with excitement and determination.

Watching her confidently step into Drama Troupe alongside her brother, fully immersing herself in storytelling and stage play, has been nothing short of inspiring. Her ability to sustain engagement during Music Makers—exploring sounds and rhythms in new and exciting ways—has been another testament to her growth. And let’s not forget the pure joy she brought to summer tutoring, turning a scavenger hunt for letters into an adventure filled with laughter and learning. Of course, we all love seeing Jane dive into any and every sensory bin that Destination Discovery has to offer, fully embracing the fun of hands-on exploration.

For her dad, Chris, what stands out most about GiGi’s isn’t just one specific moment—it’s the love and respect that Jane is met with every single time she walks through the door. It’s a place where she feels valued, where she can learn and grow, and where she is celebrated for exactly who she is.

At school, Jane has an incredible intervention specialist and a dedicated one-on-one aide. With the support of her team, Jane works hard every day, making amazing progress in speech, occupational, and physical therapy. Her parents beam with pride at how much her speech has improved, watching her determination as she works to communicate!

Of course, there was a time when fears lingered in the back of Chris and his wife’s mind. He wondered if other kids would only see Jane’s disability rather than her bright and magnetic personality. Time and time again, those worries were put to rest. Jane’s friends don’t just accept her—they are drawn to her. They see her for exactly who she is: fun, kind, and full of life.

Jane’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. She has undergone multiple surgeries, experimental treatments, and medical procedures that required deep consideration and advocacy from her parents. Every decision was made with love, knowledge, and the hope of providing Jane with the best possible quality of life. Her parents have learned that while advocacy isn’t always easy, it is always worth it.

Beyond the support Jane receives, GiGi’s has embraced the entire family. It has introduced them to babysitters, welcomed Jane’s siblings into programs, and created a space where they all feel at home. The sense of community and belonging is something they cherish deeply.

For Chris, being Jane’s dad is an absolute gift. He loves her sense of humor, her sweet and caring nature, and her incredible taste in music. She gives the best hugs, has a natural talent for making friends, and never fails to bring joy to those around her. His greatest hope is that she will continue to form friendships as effortlessly as she does now and that she will always be surrounded by people who see her for the amazing person she is.

Jane’s story is one of resilience, love, and the beauty of embracing life’s unique path. Her parents want other families to know that while there will be tough choices and uncertain moments, as long as decisions are made with love and the best intentions, they are doing a great job. Jane has taught them that everyone’s journey is different, and that’s something incredibly beautiful.

At GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, Jane has found a place where she can shine—and in turn, she continues to light up the world around her.