Team Worth
We found out that Worth had Down syndrome when I was 11 weeks pregnant. I can still remember how his whole life flashed in front of me. I wondered who he would become, what activities he would be interested in, what his voice would sound like, if he would be...
Meet the Team: Teddy’s Troops
The "Why" Behind My MilesWhen my son was first diagnosed with Down syndrome, I remember feeling a mix of fear, uncertainty, and concern. But walking into GiGi’s Playhouse for the first time when Teddy was five weeks old changed everything. We didn't just find a building; we found a "second...
Fuel for a Healthy Future: Building Strong Habits
We all know food is fuel, and it is so important to start building healthy habits for all children at a young age. This is especially important for individuals with Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome often struggle with obesity as they get older, and there are many factors that...
Down Syndrome Facts and Myths: Understanding the Person Beyond the Diagnosis
If you have ever met someone with Down syndrome, you know the diagnosis is only a small part of who they are. People with Down syndrome are musicians, athletes, coworkers, siblings, and friends. They have hobbies they love, opinions that matter, and personalities that shine. Down syndrome may be part...
Support GiGi’s Playhouse: Shop Our Holiday Wishlist & Make a Difference
At GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield, we are so insanely thankful every single day for the generous donors who make our mission possible. Because we are 100% funded by donations, every program, every milestone, and every smile is a direct result of your support. We truly wouldn’t be able to empower individuals...
Pedaling with Purpose: How One Partnership Shifted Gears for Good
At GiGi’s Playhouse, we believe that partnerships should be rooted in more than just financial contributions they should reflect shared values, creativity, and a genuine desire to make a difference. That’s exactly what happened when Bob, the Business Development Manager at McMahon Services, gave us a call. Bob had attended...
The Power of Ripples: Reflections on Our 4th Annual Deerfield Gala
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how small moments can create lasting change. A smile, a gentle nudge, an introduction, or a simple promise—these small acts rarely stay small. They ripple outward, touching lives we may never even know. At GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield, I see those ripples every single...
Brian’s Great Life – 2024 Gala Speech
Hi, My name is Brian Rogala, I am 36 years old and I have Down syndrome. There are a few important things that I think you need to know about me. I have a GREAT life! Brian and Christine Dancing at the Gala I have a beautiful girlfriend named Christine...
Summer Programs at GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield – July 2025
June Was an Exciting Month at Our Playhouse — And July Is Shaping Up to Be Even More Electric As we wrap up the excitement of GFAC and set our sights on the upcoming Gala, we’re filled with gratitude and enthusiasm for everything happening at the playhouse. June brought so...
Who’s Who at GiGi’s Playhouse Deerfield: Meet Our Amazing Team
We're excited to share some great news—our team is growing! As we continue to evolve and expand, we're thrilled to welcome new talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives, unique skills, and a shared passion for what we do. These new team members are already making an impact, and we can’t...
World Down Syndrome Day Proclamation
Proclamation: World Down Syndrome Day WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting one in 700 babies, or approximately 6,000 births per year in the United States; and WHEREAS, Occurring from an individual having a full or partial extra copy of chromosome number 21, Down syndrome is a naturally occurring...
LSVT LOUD – A New Form of Speech Therapy
Join Leigh Cohen, M.S. CCC-SLP and a team of graduate student clinicians from Northwestern University on Friday, March 14th as they provide an in-depth overview of LSVT LOUD for kids. What is LSVT LOUD?Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) is an evidence-based speech therapy originally designed for adults with Parkinson’s...