Best of All – Rocco!

What better to start our introduction to Rocco than with a quote from Erin, our GiGiFIT Coordinator, who sees him in action every Wednesday. Erin shares, “When I think ‘Best Of All’, Rocco is one of the first names that pops into my mind!  He has been giving his very best every week at GiGiFIT, and his growth has been off the charts!  With the help of some amazing volunteers, Rocco makes all our exercises so much fun and, in turn, his strength, coordination, and overall excitement towards engaging in the program have all improved! The best part about having Rocco in programs is his heart! He loves so deeply and it shows in everything he does, from the way he celebrates his peers completing the obstacle course to settling into a volunteer’s lap for our cool-down stretches at the end of class. It is such a privilege for us to have Rocco at GiGi’s. His zest for life and his ability to make everyone feel celebrated are something we can all learn from.”

To highlight the joy, love, and zeal Rocco embodies, we asked his parents, Christie and Tony, to share all about their amazing son.

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Tell us all about Rocco!

Rocco enjoys playing outside, swimming, going to the park, riding rides at Cedar Point, watching Home Alone year-round, and going on family trips/vacations.  He loves music, singing Happy Birthday, going to Music Therapy, and singing along to his favorite songs in the car. Rocco’s favorite food is pizza, chocolate chip cookies, and meatballs.  He also loves spending time with his family, especially both sets of grandparents. 

What brought you to GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland?

Tony’s hairdresser at the time, who worked in Lakewood, told him about GiGi’s Playhouse after Rocco was born. (Shout out to Elle!) Also, the amazing NICU nurses at Fairview Hospital told us all about it.

What programs are your loved one involved in at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland?

GiGiFIT and Music Makers are Rocco’s favorites.

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

There is not one specific moment, but gathering our closest friends and family every year for the Dash for Down Syndrome is at the top.

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

GiGiFIT has been so impactful for Rocco, and where we have seen the most growth.  Thinking back to his first class, where we had to drag him back to the gym, and fast forward to the most recent class, where he grabbed Jake by the hand and dragged HIM to back to the gym.  It has also brought him out of his shell and allows him to optimize his physical capabilities. 

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

The first thing that we think of is the song that Mary often sings, “I am a Bright Light” because no matter where Rocco goes, he is the brightest light in that room and is perfect the way he is. 

What is your proudest or happiest moment regarding your loved one?

A recent happy moment was seeing Rocco go crazy, cheering and clapping, on his first “big-kid” rollercoaster, Slinky Dog Dash at Disney World.  Also, seeing how hard Rocco works to hit a new milestone is pretty amazing.

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

SO MUCH! The moment we realized Rocco had Down syndrome, our lives changed in the best way possible.  He brought our entire family closer together and made us view the world in an entirely different, better way.  Rocco has taught us to enjoy the little things and has reminded us what really matters in life.  

How has GiGi’s supported your entire family?

We are so lucky to have a place like GiGi’s Playhouse in our lives, especially so close to home.  The staff and the volunteers are the most incredible people we have ever encountered. Everyone is so genuine, helpful, and has been nothing but supportive.  GiGi’s has also welcomed Rocco’s siblings and cousins with open arms, which has taught them to be the best advocates for Rocco and all of this friends.  It truly is a treat for all three of our kids to come to the Playhouse.

What is your favorite part about being Rocco’s mom and dad?

Rocco has a very healing and calming presence.  One of his superpowers is reading people’s feelings/emotions and acting accordingly.  If someone is sad, he will comfort them.  If someone is angry, he will defuse the situation. Best of All (😉), if someone is happy, he will laugh and smile along right with them.

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

There’s nothing that will stop us from giving Rocco the amazing life he deserves.  Being his advocate has shown us how powerful love really is.  When we talk about Rocco and share our story, people who may not understand Down syndrome often walk away seeing it, and him, in a whole new light.

Rocco is a bright light in every sense of the word. One who moves through the world with joy in his step, music in his heart, and love that radiates outward without hesitation. From cheering on his peers to pulling a friend back into the gym with confidence, his growth parallels the depth of his kindness. He teaches all of us to slow down, celebrate each victory, and lead with empathy, reminding us what truly matters. Rocco moves through life lighting the way for those around him, and the world is undeniably better, brighter, and more beautiful because he is in it.