2020 Step to Accept Champion-Alex Touseull

Alex Touseull
2020 Step to Accept Champion

Ask Alex Touseull what she loves about GiGi’s Playhouse and she’ll rattle off a list of her friends, “Terrell, Megan, Maggie, Alyssa, Sabrina, Ryan.”

The 26-year old has done nearly everything there is to do at the Playhouse over the past four years. She participates in ballroom dancing, EPIC, cooking club , and GiGiFit. Alex is also interning this Spring. But the one thing she’s always wanted to do has eluded her until now – serve as an event honoree. She has agreed to champion the inaugural Step to Accept Virtual Run, Walk & Ride on Saturday, June 6.

“I’m going to be famous,” Alex beams. “The world needs more Alex!”

If by “more Alex” she means more reasons to accept the Down syndrome community and champion GiGi’s Playhouse Indy, then she’s right! It’s something her mom Angela has been doing for years as a Playhouse board member.

“I look back to when Alex was little and wish we’d had a place like GiGi’s as she was growing up,” Angela Touseull recalls. “We’re glad we have GiGi’s today because she so looks forward to participating.”

Alex and Angela have formed a Step to Accept team with Alex’s EPIC classmates. They’ve challenged each of their team members to each raise $321 – a nod to people with Down syndrome having three copies of the 21^st chromosome. They encourage you to do the same.

“I want to get everyone excited to raise money so more people with Down syndrome can sign up for programs,” Alex says.

“There aren’t many things that are completely free for people with special needs, so we rely on these donations to keep our programs at GiGi’s Playhouse going,” adds Angela. “The great thing about this event is its virtual. This is something that really crosses state lines. You can do it with family and friends from all over. In a lot of ways, it’s almost better because more people can easily participate.”

The Touseulls encourage you and yours to register today.

“I love GiGi’s SO MUCH, I think more than anyone in the world,” Alex beams. “I want to give hope for all people with Down syndrome so they know they are ALL champions!”