#myDSStory Submissions
How To Promote Down Syndrome Acceptance on Social Media
Social media can be a powerful tool for change… when it’s used with intention and respect. If you’re wondering how to talk about Down syndrome online in a way that actually promotes acceptance, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need a huge platform to make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re a parent, friend,…
Can People with Down Syndrome Date and Get Married?
Love is universal. Chromosomes don’t limit the desire for connection, companionship, and marriage; it’s part of being human. Since October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we’re taking time to challenge some of the most common myths about what life with Down syndrome really looks like. One question we hear often is: “Can someone with Down…
10 Famous People with Down Syndrome: Raising Acceptance in the Media
Ever dreamt of walking a red carpet, competing on a global stage, or starring in your favorite movie? These ten incredible individuals with Down syndrome are not just dreaming it. They are living it! These famous people with Down syndrome represent a powerful wave of actors, elite athletes, international models, and influential advocates who are…
Down Syndrome Awareness vs. Acceptance: Why Awareness Isn’t Enough
Many view awareness as a destination. They believe that giving society exposure to a group of people, like those with Down syndrome, is the endgame. They treat Down Syndrome Awareness Month as a box to check. But at GiGi’s Playhouse, we see it differently. We view awareness as the beginning, and we view acceptance as…
Ways to Promote Down Syndrome Acceptance
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month (DSAM). At GiGi’s Playhouse, we’re celebrating with 31 Ways in 31 Days, a fun and meaningful challenge designed to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and spread acceptance for individuals with Down syndrome. While Down syndrome acceptance may feel especially timely in October, these 31 actions can be practiced all year…
World Down Syndrome Day: Celebrating Progress and Unleashing Unlimited Potential
Every day, people around the world demonstrate that nothing is impossible. Athletes, musicians, professionals, parents, children, and others constantly break barriers, defy expectations, and achieve remarkable feats. Individuals with Down syndrome are no different; March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) — a day that holds significant meaning for individuals with Down syndrome, their…
DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH — LEADING THE WAY TO ACCEPTANCE
We’ve all been there before — we walk into a room, and for whatever reason, it feels like all eyes are on us. For most of us, this is a fleeting feeling, but for individuals with Down syndrome, this is a daily reality. Individuals with Down syndrome wear their diagnosis on their face. Because of…
Sheena’s story: Advocating on behalf of her son and the entire community
**This story was submitted via our #MyDsStory submissions Written by our guest writer, Sheena Stropki When I saw the post to share my DS story, I immediately started thinking about all the things I see and hope not only for my son, but also all of the individuals I have met on this journey. My…
Lily’s story: From Mary’s big sister to passionate advocate
**This story was submitted via our #MyDsStory submissions Written by our guest writer, Lily Bauer My little sister Mary Elizabeth is my hero! Since the minute my mom was pregnant with Mary, we have loved her infinitely. We knew she had Down syndrome after my mom’s first US. She has overcome so much in her…
Cheryl’s story: Embracing a beautiful journey of motherhood
**This special Mother’s Day story was submitted via #MyDsStory Written by our guest writer, Cheryl Sewell My son Cruz’s diagnosis was a total surprise to us when I gave birth. When he was born, he looked me right in the eyes and I immediately felt an energy and connection that I had never felt before.…
Annika’s story: From older sister to lifelong advocate
**This story was submitted via #MyDsStory and won the contest! Written by our guest writer, Annika Soderfelt Aaron, my little brother, has Down syndrome, and he is one of my best friends. He is only three years younger than I am, and the last almost 23 years with him have shaped me into the person I…
My Great Aunt Joanie
This story was submitted via #MyDsStory. Submit your story here before April 11 and have a chance to win $250 for you and your Playhouse. Written by our guest writer, Claire Parker My Great Aunt Joanie was born in Dillon, SC in 1950 with a third copy of her twenty-first chromosome. When her family took…
My brother Winston
A Down Syndrome Awareness Month Entry, submit your story here. ———- Submitted by Tamara I am #7 of 10 kids. My oldest sister lived one day. The next child, Winston, was born with a severe case of Down syndrome. He is non-verbal, highly dependent, and had heart surgery to save his life when he was…
What Down Syndrome Can Teach Us Now
by Katie Carper When I married nearly 20 years ago, I never dreamed I’d be parenting four kids, one with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism. I had no intention of managing what feels like a circus most days–not that I was opposed to circus life or extra chromosomes–I just wasn’t thinking about…
Amazing improvements with the right supports
Down Syndrome Awareness Month Entry, submit your story here. ———- Eli has an amazing service dog by the name of Nicky II, or as Eli endearingly calls him, “Nicky noodle.” Since Eli received Nicky, he’s become more independent. He was potty trained within months of receiving him. Eli helps care for and walk Nicky. He…
Jenny – A Musician with Down Syndrome!!
Down Syndrome Awareness Month Entry, submit your story here. ———- Jenny Anne Lowther- Musician with Down Syndrome!! Jenny & I want to encourage everyone to do their best, pursue their Dreams, & never give up! Jenny & Nancy Lowther’s Musical Entertainment has been described as Great Music, Unique Combination, & Inspirational Performances! We have 3…
My granddaughter Remi
Down Syndrome Awareness Month Entry, submit your story here. ———- My granddaughter, Remi, was born on August 15, 21. She’s been such a blessing. My daughter has given permission to share what she wrote… Why do I overshare Remi Jean, my daughter with Down Syndrome, with you? To teach, to advocate, to bring awareness, To…
Redefining Down syndrome
Down Syndrome Awareness Month Entry, submit your story here. ———- I have a brother who has Down syndrome, and that is the least interesting thing about him! He is an actor, a singer, a student, a drummer, a boyfriend, a friend, a dancer, a gymnast, a basketball player, a public speaker, and so much more.…
My Special Sweet Pea LeLe
Down Syndrome Awareness Month Entry, submit your story here. ———- By: Alecia Harrison I want to share with you some photos of my Angel and Princess Alecia Harrison. This young lady is Truly Remarkable and Supernatural. You will see pics of her where she liss hair due to very critical and life-threatening illnesses but has…
My sister, Ali
Down Syndrome Awareness Month Entry, submit your story here. ———- My sister, Ali, who is fourteen months younger than me, is the most hard-working, resilient, and compassionate person I have ever met. She can make just about anyone laugh, her presence lights up every room she walks into, and the thought of her smiling makes me smile. She…
The Cromwell Family Story
Down Syndrome Awareness Month Entry, submit your story here. ———- We started on our journey as a family with a child expected to have Down Syndrome at 11-12 weeks, initially by the nuchal fold measurement, then through the genetic screening, and confirmed through the CVS test on the last day, possibly at 13 weeks. It…
Bethany Hagen
Down Syndrome Awareness Month Entry, submit your story here. ———- My daughter, Bethany Hagen, is an 18-year-old girl whose passion has always been singing and performing. She also loves to learn and use sign language (ASL). Despite some hurdles we have had to jump through and advocating we have had to do educating others about…