GiGi’s Playhouse- Inspiring our communities, one individual at a time

Two years ago, I did not have a personal connection to Down syndrome. 2 years ago I sent in an email to see if I could help. I picked up my camera and went to visit the brand new GiGi’s Playhouse-Syracuse to take pictures at their Open Play. I watched, I soaked in this amazing community and I asked questions. Stereotypes were shattered.

I got in my car and wept. I was changed. I know that phrase is used a lot, but I mean it from the most sincere place. I am changed. I have been taught what it means to not give up, to fight and work hard for my goals, I am inspired and challenged weekly by my friends who are leading the way for us all. I have gained more than I could ever give back.

Two years ago I had no personal connection, today I thank God everyday that my world is bigger and filled with friends who I will spend the rest of my life advocating for and learning from. xoxo

heather rodrigues

-Heather Rodriguez, Volunteer and Board Member for GiGi’s Playhouse- Syracuse

Recent Posts

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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...
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GiGiFIT Movement Tracker Helps Build Daily Wellness Habits

by Kim Hanna It’s a universal issue: most of us struggle to build fitness into our daily lives. In theory, it sounds easy, and it is...until life happens. We get...
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GiGi’s Playhouse receives groundbreaking $2 million MacKenzie Scott grant 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 10, 2024 – GiGi’s Playhouse, the only network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, has been awarded a $2 million grant by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving....

3 Comments

  1. Life with Kaishon on October 23, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    Heather is an inspiration to me and so many others. I am glad for all that she shares about Gigi’s playhouse.

  2. syracuse on October 23, 2014 at 12:36 pm

    Thank you very much GiGi’s for sharing a bit of my heart. I love what is being built and am so thankful to be accepted into sucha beautiful community. xoxo

  3. Richard Reilly on November 8, 2014 at 8:42 pm

    “I was changed”. It is a guarantee, that in the world of disability your life will be changed. Heather’s example of communicating change in so many ways is such a blessing. A beautiful person, joyful of heart, able to share in simple terms the complexity of the journey we travel. A true advocate, a person of action, opening doors to the world of greater potential, the world of ability…for all of us. Richard – The Grandparent Connection

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