October 6th- Kelli and Jack
"Since as far back as I can remember I wanted a family. Typically, a family starts with 2 people who fall in love and blah, blah, blah. Well, that didn't happen for me, but I still wanted a family....children. I turned to IVF and after 9 losses I was...
October 5th- Katie and Owen
"I can still remember my daughter saying a couple of years ago... 'Mom I hope when I get older I have a child with Down syndrome, ' me- 'why is that?' 'Because we always get to do the most fun things with him as a family,' So true!!! There are...
October 4th- Lindsay and Charlie
"Charlie's diagnosis changed the course of my life for the better. As cliche as that sounds, it's true. I never really knew what I was meant to do or who I was as a person. Fighting for Charlie's rights through advocacy and writing books has made me a better...
October 3rd- Joanne and Emma
"Emma was diagnosed at birth. I will admit I was scared, because I did not know what to expect. She went through a few specialists to help her get to where she is today. She is continuing to still make progress. She is such a shining star, and our experiences...
October 2nd- Genie and Sam
Diagnosis story "August 27th, 2018 is a date that will be forever burned into my mind. It was the day that every pregnant woman looks forward. The day that I would have my 20- week ultrasound. For some reason, I wasn’t as excited as I was for my other pregnancies....
October 1st- Margaret and Baby J
New Beginnings "7,508 miles away is the most precious little girl. She is extraordinary and she will, prayerfully, be our daughter very soon. She lives in China and we cannot wait to have her in our arms! It has been quite a journey to have finally arrived at this point....
Thank you Chicago Bears!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLgPE5Gg040&feature=youtu.be Thank you #ChicagoBears for choosing us to be a part of the celebration of your 100th season! The Chicago Bears recognized and supported non-profit organizations that matter most to their fans and are making a positive impact around Chicagoland and Illinois. GiGi's Playhouse is proud to be chosen for...
Peanut Butter Falcon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81JjgkNwHHQ&feature=youtu.be Nancy & GiGi went to Miami for the screening of The Peanut Butter Falcon and chat with writers, directors, and lead actor of this powerful movie that is setting the bar for future films. Just like Nancy made a promise to GiGi to change the way the world saw Ds...
Playhouse Inspiration- AID Keeler
AID Keeler AID Keeler- AID Keeler brings participants in to help with cleaning the Playhouse each week. AID encourages individuals to explore what they want out of life and chart their own journey to success. Whether it’s finding a job or becoming a volunteer, the ultimate goal is to assist...
Volunteer Spotlight- Bret, board member
Bret Shannon- Board Member, 2016-present Bret Shannon started volunteering at GiGi's Playhouse Fox Valley three years ago as a board member and hasn't looked back. He enjoys meeting and getting to know our families, as well as doing whatever he can to help GiGi's mission. Bret also organizes the Beth...
Volunteer Spotlight- Lauren, board member
Lauren Chiszar- Board Member, 2018 - present Lauren Chiszar is thrilled to be a Board Member at GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley. Previous to this role on the board, Lauren served as the Site Coordinator for Fox Valley. Lauren now resides in Chicago and is a recent graduate of Loyola University...
Playhouse Inspiration: Justin, intern at Aurora TV
Thank you Justin and the city of Aurora! Justin is an Intern at Aurora TV and doing a summer project focusing on a non-profit organization groups and how they impact the city. The aim of the project is to recognize and raise awareness of an organization in the City of...