![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/elpaso\/files\/2025\/10\/Buggy-Sponsor-pic.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\u201cBuggy\u201d Lopez was born on December 18,
2013, and from the very beginning, he had a way
of drawing people in. Whether it was his energy,
his bright spirit, or simply who he was, people
were naturally drawn to Buggy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He got his nickname as a newborn, when his
mom saw him bundled up in a blanket and
thought he looked just like the little \u201cbugga
bugga\u201d babies from Dora the Explora. The name
stuck- and soon everyone knew and loved him
as Buggy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buggy was determined, brave, strong, curious,
and wonderfully silly. He loved Chicka Chicka
Boom Boom and Five Little Monkeys Jumping on
the Bed, and nothing made him happier than
dancing, being silly, and making people smile. He
found his own way of doing things- always
studying carefully before attempting something
new- and often surprised everyone with his
unique approaches, like army crawling with his
legs stretched wide. At bedtime, he would only
drift off to the song \u201cSelfie\u201d, a little quirk that
became one of his sweetest trademarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through GiGi\u2019s Playhouse in El Paso, Buggy
blossomed. The programs there helped him learn
to sit up tall, dance, sign, socialize, verbalize, and
even walk. More importantly, they helped his
family embrace his diagnosis with love and
confidence, showing just how much more
children like Buggy can thrive when surrounded
by support and acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though Buggy\u2019s time here was far too short- he
passed away on Mother\u2019s Day, May 14, 2017, at
just three and a half years old- his impact is
everlasting. He taught his family and community
more than any textbook ever could: about love,
acceptance, joy, and the beauty of life in its
truest form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, Buggy\u2019s memory inspires everything this
tournament stands for: celebrating life,
spreading Down syndrome awareness, and
embracing the gifts our children bring. His family
remains forever grateful to GiGi\u2019s Playhouse, to
every volunteer, and to every person who
continues to honor Buggy by helping children
with Down syndrome shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buggy was, and always will be, a bright light-
brave, silly, determined and deeply loved.<\/p>\n\n\n