Jessica’s Love

by Pete Strahan (Jessica’s Dad)

My family is in a very elite group. Not just because we have a child with Down syndrome, but because of the manner in which we found out that she has Down syndrome. We are a part of a very small percentage to receive a birth diagnosis. This means that we found out after delivery.  My wife, Jen, had the standard, non-invasive screenings during her pregnancy, but none showed markers for Down syndrome.

We fell in love with Jessica from the moment we saw her. But when our pediatrician came to us after the delivery and said, “There’s a possibility Jessica has Down syndrome,” we couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. Jessica was our first child. Suddenly we weren’t just preparing to be first-time parents but also learning all we could—and fast—about parenting a child with special needs.

Cuddling with Molly

The diagnosis was in fact confirmed when Jessica was two weeks old…

We immersed ourselves in research. We arranged for early intervention services. Our families showed us unbelievable support. And Jen joined an online Down syndrome group where one day she learned of a new place coming to town: GiGi’s Playhouse.

Jessica turned 5 years old this month, and I can’t say enough about how happy we are to have found GiGi’s. We have been part of the GiGi’s Hillsborough family since they first opened. From the moment we first walked through GiGi’s doors, we were showered with love and positivity.

Jessica loves and has thrived in the Crawlers, LMNOP, Little Gymnasts, and Leaps and Bounds programs. She also loves to take the GiGi’s stage in her dress-up gear and dance.  Jessica is a huge animal lover, too. Our dog, Molly, has been Jessica’s biggest protector and motivator from day one. So whenever we get to GiGi’s and Jessica sees Puddles there (she is a therapy dog), Jessica gets so excited. GiGi’s has also helped her with her speech, an area in which she struggles.

That Jessica loves GiGi’s wasn’t too much of a surprise for us, but something we weren’t expecting is how great GiGi’s is for us parents, too! The networking opportunities it provides are so appreciated and needed.  We get to talk to other families about what they are going through, discuss milestones, learn from one another, and offer advice and support.

Playing dress up and posing on stage at GiGi’s!

Giving back….and finding the runner in me

Since GiGi’s has given so much to us, we try to give back whenever we can. For the past three years, we have been an active fundraiser at the GiGi’s 5K in town. I was never a runner, but because of Jessica, I have become one! That first year, I took my training very seriously. I wanted to do well, and I kept thinking of Jessica as I trained. I posted videos of my training on our social media pages to generate excitement and more funding. This last year, I had my best 5K time yet, 30:19.

Team Strides for Strahan!

Thanks to the generosity of so many in our communities and families, our team, Strides for Strahan, has raised more than $10,000 in GiGi’s donations over the last three years. Our family–which now includes our 3-year-old son P.J. also—will continue to do all we can to give back.

Ask anyone and they will tell you: Jessica lights up every room she walks into. No matter who you are, expect to get a kiss and a hug when you meet Jessica. It is so heartwarming to see that type of unconditional love being spread in our world. It’s something we all can learn from.