Why GiGi’s – Dawn’s Story
When I received my diagnosis at the very beginning of my pregnancy, I was met with only fear-mongering and dreadful predictions on how bad it would be if I didn’t terminate. “He will never”… In fact, my doctor continued to pressure me to do so till it was past the...
Why GiGi’s – Rachael’s Story
Rachael was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. She is married to Nick and they have 4 children - Joshua (20), Ollie (7), and twin girls, Jackie and Josie (4). Josie has Down Syndrome. Rachael was a teacher until she decided to stay home with her twin girls. She is...
Why GiGi’s -Emily’s Story
Emily Huffman - Events and Fundraising Committee Emily was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. She is an active member of Fellowship Church and loves attending UT sporting events in her spare time. Emily has an event planning background and loves all sides of events from start to finish. She...
Why GiGi’s – Lesley’s Story
Lesley Koboldt - Finance Committee I had literally just told a friend “I wish I knew how to get a GiGi’s Playhouse in Knoxville!” My son Ziggy is 20 months old and is rocking that extra chromosome! I have sat and dreamed of a community that understands Trisomy 21 and...
Why GiGi’s – Rachel’s Story
Rachel Sales - Outreach Committee I believe that it is so important we bring a GiGi's Playhouse to Knoxville because I believe our community is the best at opening it's arms and hearts to those with Down syndrome. I love Knoxville and I have called it home for 30 years....
Why GiGi’s – Kathryn’s Story
Kathryn Kaduck - Facility Committee Bringing GiGi's to Knoxville is important to me because I've seen firsthand the difference community support can make to folks with disabilities, even outside the walls of the Playhouse itself. In my hometown, GiGi's came first, followed by an ice cream shop operated by Playhouse...
