Why GiGi’s: Justine & Cooper

Cooper is my why. My why in everything, but especially in this journey. As far as the GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas startup team, Cooper and I are on the “older side”, paired with younger moms and kiddos that range from 1.5-4 years old. Cooper is almost 12, and we’ve been navigating life with Down syndrome for a while. I’ve been through the stages where I wondered if I’d done enough for him, cried because I thought I couldn’t do enough for him and rejoiced when all of his hard work paid off. Though there are supports in our community, they are different. I see what GiGi’s Playhouse has to offer families, and I want this for our future. I know that the moms I’m working with and their beautiful children could benefit from the programs that we will provide.  As Cooper was growing up, I often felt a lack of connection, sometimes, even felt like an outcast, but most importantly, I felt alone. I want families and children in Las Vegas to flourish. I want to watch our community flourish. I want to watch Cooper flourish. I work towards acceptance and inclusion in our community, and believe that building a GiGI’s Playhouse in Las Vegas will provide that little something extra that we’ve been missing. Thanks Cooper, for making me a better person. I love you buddy!