3.21 Run 2018 Youth Honoree: Alden

Alden Newby
2018 Youth Honoree

Alden Newby is a journeyer. Born in Georgia, this 16-year old has lived in six states. The son of a newly retired Army officer, Alden’s family just settled in Noblesville.

“We heard about GiGi’s Playhouse when we were stationed in El Paso, Texas,” Alden’s mom Kiersten recalls. ”Of course, there wasn’t a playhouse near us, but we heard about the one in Indianapolis. Having grown up in the area ourselves, we knew we wanted to retire in Indy. We contacted GiGi’s the minute we arrived!”

A sophomore at Noblesville High School, Alden loves the performing arts. He is in non-impaired classes for theater, 3D art, and the school’s all-male show choir. Alden is also involved with ballroom dancing and theater at GiGi’s Playhouse as well as the Page and Stage Theatre Troop in Noblesville.

“He’s always loved movies and music,” Kiersten says. “His dad and I are musicians and his older sisters used to make him play dress up. We also did a lot of his speech therapy with puppets. But the best is watching him do impersonations with his dad!”

Having previously lived in a community with little support for kids with Down syndrome, Kiersten and her husband Joe helped establish a Down Syndrome Association chapter in El Paso. They understand first-hand the importance of a safe place like GiGi’s. “Without this kind of community, these kids can’t live complete lives,” Kiersten says. “They want to date. They want to have friends they can hang out with. They want all the same things other kids sometimes take for granted.”

he community GiGi’s creates is also invaluable for the caregivers. “Its life saving for some,” Kiersten admits. “Parents with young children don’t know the journey they will be taking. GiGi’s gives them such a nice head start learning from parents who have paved the way, breaking down barriers and making it easier for families who follow.”

The best advice Kiersten would give to a new family? “Treat your child like everyone else. It may take a child with Down syndrome three years to master a skill that it took your average child six months to master, but they will master it. The worst a parent can do is to feel sorry for them, baby them, or expect less from them. When expectations are high and they’re treated like every other family member, kids with Down syndrome flourish!”

Alden’s uplifting story and outlook on life are an inspiration, and we are proud to honor him as the 2018 3.21 Mile Run Youth Honoree.