Best of All – Olivia!

When we think of Olivia, the first thing that comes to mind is her infectious giggle. The kind that fills the entire Playhouse and instantly lifts every heart around her. The next thought is how she is an incredible individual that is: strong, smart, caring, silly, athletic, and so deeply loving. All of these qualities, paired with her joyful laugh, make Olivia a true force to be reckoned with. Equipped with her Augmentative and Alternative Communication device, Olivia makes her voice heard with a confidence stronger than words alone, reminding us all that every voice matters and deserves to shine. We invite you to learn more about the Outstanding Olivia through the lens of her mom, Angela.

Tell us all about Olivia!

When it comes to activities, Olivia LOVES participating in all things Special Olympics. Basketball is her favorite sport, but she is in the mix for all of it. In our school district, there are Special Olympics activities all year round, including flag football, bowling, soccer, basketball, and track. When she’s not playing sports, she enjoys dancing, watching the Odd Bods, and looking at herself in the mirror. She keeps her body in tip-top shape by maintaining a healthy diet. This includes her favorite snacks of Veggie Straws and Pringles, but also veggies, soft tacos, and fried rice. Her all-time favorite food is the FRENCH FRY! 

How is Olivia involved with GiGi’s?

We are involved in the Amina Grace Speech Therapy program at GiGi’s. Olivia had the privilege of working with Libby in the past, and now Amanda. It’s been a very positive experience for Olivia and our family. In addition to therapy, we also enjoy the occasional Destination Discovery session and various special occasions throughout the year.

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

I really enjoy all our visits to GiGi’s Playhouse. If I must choose a favorite moment, I think it would be the June Dash for Down Syndrome and Inspirational Team Walk. I really enjoy being surrounded by our family, friends, and the GiGi’s community. There is so much energy, love, friendship, and inspiration at these events. Everyone is so pumped up, it’s amazing!

What would you like people to know about your loved one, and how can that change the community around us?

I want people to know that yes, Olivia is very cute, but she’s not a baby and shouldn’t be talked down to. Yes, Olivia is a happy child, but she can also be very unhappy and downright mad. Yes, it takes her longer to do certain tasks, but she is still capable of getting them done.

Olivia is just like every other child. She is moving through life at a little slower pace than some other children her age, but she’s been up to every task we’ve given her. She is bright, smart, funny, and capable. I want people to give her the same opportunity they’d give a typically developing child and not dismiss or underestimate her because of her extra chromosome.

She can’t succeed if she isn’t given the opportunity to try.  

What is your proudest or happiest moment with Olivia?

There are too many to count. Olivia has endured so much. She had open-heart surgery when she was only 6 months old, as her heart was the size of a walnut. She’s had multiple subsequent surgeries, including bilateral cochlear implants and, most recently, orthopedic surgery to correct the alignment of both legs. She wears a smile through recovery and keeps on truckin’. Through everything, she is a star student, a kind friend, and well-loved in her school. She works hard during therapies and gives the best hugs at just the right times. 

How has Olivia grown while attending programs at GiGi’s?

Olivia has literally grown up while coming to GiGi’s. This is also true of her twin sister, Maria. Olivia wasn’t even walking when she first started coming to programs. She’s comfortable at the Playhouse, and I think she feels at home there. She seems like she’s more social than she used to be, and I feel like she interacts more with people when we are there. She has improved her communication skills through speech therapy and is working more consistently with her AAC Device. I love watching her grow and mature. 

What has your loved one taught you? What gifts have they brought into this world?

Olivia, like her sisters, is a gift. She is a twin, and this forced us to instantly be more patient. She has taught us to slow down and not sweat the small stuff. 

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How has GiGi’s supported your entire family?

GiGi’s welcomes everyone. They celebrate and support not only the person with Down syndrome, but their family, friends, and community. Lizz has come to Olivia and Maria’s school for a presentation, which helps bring awareness to her peers and teachers. Our family feels supported at GiGi’s activities, and Maria has always participated in programs alongside her sister. We know that grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and sisters have a resource in GiGi’s and can reach out anytime to learn more or ask for support. 

What have you learned by being your loved one’s advocate? 

I have learned that a lot of people are still unaware of what having Down syndrome means and welcome information to learn. I feel fortunate and well supported in our school district, and I find that I don’t really have to be the “Mama Bear” I thought I’d have to be. I think most people actually want to do the right thing, and most of the kids really embrace Olivia. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know where I can turn for help when I need it. Advocating for her looks a lot like advocating for my other children. It’s all about keeping her best interests at heart and allowing her to grow as she explores the world around her.

What is your favorite part about being Olivia’s mom?

I honestly don’t know how to answer this. Being a mom is so special, and I have the privilege of being a girl mom to three beautiful young ladies. I love them so much and feel every day is a gift. Olivia, like the other two, keeps me on my toes. 

What is one hope for your loved one?

I hope she lives a healthy, long life. I hope she has a beautiful adulthood filled with family, friends, love, and opportunity. I want her to know her life has purpose and meaning. 

If there is one thing other families can take away from your story, what would it be?

Just take things one day at a time. Appreciate and love your child for who they are and try not to have any preconceived ideas of who they will become. ALL children have different abilities and excel at different things. Our children with Down syndrome are no different. Meet your child where they are and don’t compare them to anyone else. Above all, don’t be too hard on yourself. Having a child who keeps you busy with medical appointments, cognitive assessments, IEP meetings, and constant supervision can leave you feeling physically and emotionally exhausted. It’s okay to not feel okay. Just remember you have a whole community to lean on. Come to GiGi’s, sit on the sofa with a cup of coffee and take a breath. There are always plenty of people ready to cuddle your baby, volunteers to guide your child through activities, and open arms to give you a hug if you need it. Don’t be afraid to let people know what you need for yourself or your child. It takes a village. 

To know Olivia is to be reminded of what true strength, joy, and perseverance look like. She meets every challenge with courage, fills every room with laughter, and embodies a spirit that draws others in. Olivia is an athlete, a sister, a friend, a communicator, and a light within the GiGi’s Playhouse community. She continues to show us that growth happens at its own pace, voices come in many forms, and possibilities are endless when love and opportunity lead the way. Olivia is nothing short of amazing and we are all better for knowing her.