Posts by Shannon Kerin
Meet Marjorie
It was 11:45am on Monday July 18, 2022 when my doctor called with the results from my NIPT bloodwork. My former OB had just stopped delivering so I had to switch doctors and I met this lady like once, so she didn’t know me very well at all. Anywho, she called and was sounded super…
Read MoreWhy We Run for Acceptance… Conner’s Space Rangers
“Acceptance is Conners friends at school loving to play with him because of who he is. Yelling his name in excitement as he walks up the sidewalk. Acceptance is his friends asking why he can’t talk/ride a bike/or whatever other question they have and simply saying “Ok” and creating a way to involve him. Acceptance…
Read MoreProgram and Volunteer Coordinator Job Description
Founded in 2003, GiGi’s Playhouse Inc.’s mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. All programs are free and are therapeutic in nature. Each one of our programs is designed to work on specific skill…
Read MoreOur First Ever #GenerationG Award Goes To…
Hello! If you don’t know me, I am the Site Director of GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield and the only employee overseeing our incredible volunteers, programs and participants. Our mission at GiGi’s is to change the way the world views Down syndrome, the kids and adults we work with put so much love into the world and…
Read MoreNonprofits Work Together to Create Heart Safe Space
GiGi’s Playhouse in Deerfield is proud to be working with Big Dreams for Little Hearts on ensuring a heart safe environment for our participants, families and volunteers. Big Dreams for Little Hearts will be donating an AED machine and training to GiGi’s Playhouse on December 30th. GiGi’s niche is supporting individuals with Down syndrome in…
Read MoreWhy I Trek Through Construction Traffic Every Friday – Chereesca’s Gala Speech
My name is Chereesca Bejasa. It’s a big honor to share my story with you tonight. I’m the proud mom of Bodhi, whom many of you know, and if you don’t, then you must not know Jill Rabin. Seriously, Bodhi appears on her Instagram hundreds of times more than my own. If you don’t know…
Read MorePlay With Your Heart – Alexa’s Gala Speech
Hi my name is Alexa Donato. I am the youngest of 3 older siblings, their names are Kara, Michael, and Gianna. I started getting into sports when I was in 5th grade, when I started getting into sports I knew I wanted to keep doing it, because I had so much fun competing. When I…
Read MoreYou Are EXACTLY Where You Are Meant to Be – Gala Welcome by Alyse
We are heading into our fourth year open and it is so exciting to finally have the opportunity to host such a wonderful event to share with you who we are, why we are here and why the Down syndrome community is alive and thriving! & what better way to celebrate than during Down syndrome…
Read MoreEDUCATE. Inspire. Believe.
For World Down Syndrome Day last month one of our families asked if we could share our school presentation and activity packet with her to share with her students and girl scout troop. At GiGi’s we work hard to prepare our participants for the world with therapeutic and life skills programs, but we’ve learned that…
Read MoreEagle Scout Makes GiGi’s Deerfield ROCK!
Hi, I’m Andrew! Have you seen the gym at GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield? For my Eagle Scout Project we put in a climbing wall and some cool shelving and hooks for the exercise balls and medicine balls in the gym. I had a blast working with fellow scouts, good friends, my dad and my coach Dr.…
Read More