Meet the Dash for Down Syndrome Super Hero Teams
March 26, 2025
Hero Teams that have joined our Dash for Down Syndrome!
Join the Superhero Fun at the Dash for Down Syndrome! 🦸♂️
Get ready to run, walk, and celebrate at the Dash for Down Syndrome, a family-friendly event supporting GiGi’s Playhouse Madison, a nonprofit that provides free programs for individuals with Down syndrome. This exciting day is packed with fun—food trucks, a DJ, kids’ dash, field games, face painting, Bucky Badger, princesses, and more!
Every step you take helps us raise funds to keep our life-changing programs FREE for over 400 families in our community. Be a hero—register today and join the mission! 💥
- Have you participated in this event in the past?
- Yes, in 2023 and 2024
- Are you honoring anyone with your team?
- Our daughter Lavender and friend Luna
- What is your favorite program to participate in at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- LMNOP- we just started this and will be back. It was so nice to be around such warm and inviting people and meet other friends.
- How do you show acceptance to other people?
- All people are created equal and should be treated the same.
- This year’s Dash theme is “Super Hero’s for Down Syndrome” – what do you think makes someone a Super Hero for the Down syndrome community?
- Advocating for people with Down syndrome. Breaking barriers for individuals with Down syndrome so they are given the same opportunities as everyone else.
- What does it mean to you have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
- It means so much. It shows the love and support and acceptance that the community has for individuals with Down syndrome.
- If you have a family member or friend with Down syndrome, share how you have fun with them and the importance of having them in your life.
- Lavender is such a joy to be around. She loves to sing and dance and has very strong opinions. Watching her learn and grow has been such a blessing. It reminds us what is important in life and that all individuals are special regardless of the number of chromosomes they have. Lavender is pure joy to be around and will show you not to count her out.
- Have you participated in this event in the past?
- Yes, 2022, 2023 and 2024
- Are you honoring anyone with your team?
- We are honoring all individuals born with Down syndrome because everyone should be accepted in this world.
- What is your favorite program to participate in at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- My favorite program is fantastic friends because you always meet someone new.
- How do you give your “best of all” each day?
- Showing that you love everyone as they are is the best of all.
- How do you show acceptance to other people?
- It’s quite simple to smile & being inclusive
- This year’s Dash theme is “Super Hero’s for Down Syndrome” – what do you think makes someone a Super Hero for the Down syndrome community?
- Someone who exemplifies as a role model who cares about everyone having a place in this world.
- What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- Being on the board of directors gaining a fresh perspective on the future of Down syndrome achievement.
- What does it mean to you have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
- A sense of belonging in this world.
- If you have a family member or friend with Down syndrome, share how you have fun with them and the importance of having them in your life.
- Naomi Talsky is my lifelong close friend who is always there for me, from me being close friends with her has given me the reason to spread my positivity to everyone I meet.
- Have you participated in this event in the past?
- It’s our first time!
- Are you honoring anyone with your team?
- We are honoring Sadie Elizabeth Jones. Sadie has become one of the greatest blessings we’ve ever had and she has changed our lives in incredibly wonderful ways. She truly is a gift that we thank God for always. We celebrate Sadie today, and every day.
- What is your favorite program to participate in at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- I haven’t been able to attend a program yet but looking forward to attending LMNOP.
- How do you give your “best of all” each day?
- Waking up with a positive attitude every day and seeing the beauty in all life.
- How do you show acceptance to other people?
- Treating every body equally and showing love to all.
- This year’s Dash theme is “Super Hero’s for Down Syndrome” – what do you think makes someone a Super Hero for the Down syndrome community?
- a positive advocate and non judge mental towards others. Being open, willing, and excited to educate people in the joys of someone with Down syndrome.
- What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- I haven’t had an opportunity yet but looking forward to joining in the future.
- What does it mean to you have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
- It’s thrilling to know there’s a whole community to join in the excitement of any Down syndrome diagnosis. It is also amazing to know there are classes that anyone can join!
- If you have a family member or friend with Down syndrome, share how you have fun with them and the importance of having them in your life.
- Sadie has changed our lives and we are thankful for her every day. Reminding us to slow down in life and appreciate the here and now has been wonderful. She is 100% here for a reason! When Sadie was born we were shocked when they told us that she had Down syndrome. They called it a ‘birth diagnosis’. Little did we know right then and there, Chase and I had just become one of the lucky few. Sadie is SO fun and laughs and giggles so much! She loves to pretend she’s ‘jumping’ and giggles when we help her jump high. Sadie also smiles and laughs when you sing to her. Fun fact about Sadie, her cheeks, nose and neck are ticklish!
- Have you participated in this event in the past?
- YES, from the beginning.
- Are you honoring anyone with your team?
- ALL the families at our Playhouse
- What is your favorite program to participate in at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- I literally love every single program we offer for different reasons. The big personalities in our Playhouse make my day, every day,
- How do you give your “best of all” each day?
- I have an open heart so I can have space to give to others and advocate every chance I get.
- How do you show acceptance to other people?
- Providing opportunities that will build skills and allow everyone to succeed in their own way.
- This year’s Dash theme is “Super Hero’s for Down Syndrome” – what do you think makes someone a Super Hero for the Down syndrome community?
- Being a Superhero for Down syndrome is something EVERYONE can do by donating, volunteering, practicing kindness and finding way to make everyone feel loved and included.
- What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- I started as a volunteer at GiGi’s before moving to a staff role. I loved helping plan events, marketing and being the marketing chair on the board.
- What does it mean to you have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
- Knowing we are able to create a home away from home for so many incredible families makes me so proud! We are also told there are ‘good vibes and good energy’ in our space. That’s all because of our amazing staff and volunteers!
- If you have a family member or friend with Down syndrome, share how you have fun with them and the importance of having them in your life.
- I have so many incredible participants that are my friends- we love to joke around and dance together.
- Have you participated in this event in the past?
- Yes, in 2024
- Are you honoring anyone with your team?
- Norah, she is my beautiful daughter with Down syndrome
- What is your favorite program to participate in at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- LMNOP
- How do you give your “best of all” each day?
- I love Chris Nikic’s 1% better every day look on life. I just try do be a little bit better than yesterday.
- How do you show acceptance to other people?
- I try to treat everyone with kindness
- This year’s Dash theme is “Super Hero’s for Down Syndrome” – what do you think makes someone a Super Hero for the Down syndrome community?
- Advocating, showing kindness, volunteering if able
- What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- The Family Committee, because I get to hear awesome ideas on how to benefit GiGi’s.
- What does it mean to you have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
- It is a social outlet for myself and my kids, it’s a community of those with similar paths in life, and its programs for Norah.
- If you have a family member or friend with Down syndrome, share how you have fun with them and the importance of having them in your life.
- Every day with Norah is fun. She is a light in our lives. She also loves to sing and dance 🙂
- Have you participated in this event in the past?
- Yes in 2022, 2023 and 2024
- Are you honoring anyone with your team?
- We are honoring Addi Berndt – Addi was our first exposure to the Down syndrome community and has changed our lives for the better in numerous ways!
- What is your favorite program to participate in at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- Addi has benefited the most from the Amina Grace Speech & Language Program, but we are looking forward to getting back into Fitness or Special Olympics Young Athletes, this summer. Are parties considered programs? Because if Addi could answer this question herself, she would say the parties!
- How do you give your “best of all” each day?
- Addi gives her best of all each day by showing up alongside her family, classmates and friends and trying every activity – even those that may be difficult for her (like rollerblading, in her gym class). How Addi shows up may look different than how her family, classmates and friends do – but she tries anyway and does it her own way.
- How do you show acceptance to other people?
- We show acceptance by withholding judgement, keeping an open mind and practicing empathy.
- This year’s Dash theme is “Super Hero’s for Down Syndrome” – what do you think makes someone a Super Hero for the Down syndrome community?
- You can be a superhero for the Down syndrome community by living the Generation G Pledge and making space for people with Down syndrome where you live, play and work.
- What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- Through my work on the board of directors! I love helping with marketing and events and having a front seat to the growth we have experienced!
- What does it mean to you have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
- We feel so grateful to have a GiGi’s Playhouse in our community – especially now, when the future of supportive services for people with disabilities is uncertain. GiGi’s is a breath of fresh air, a constant and hope for the future.
- If you have a family member or friend with Down syndrome, share how you have fun with them and the importance of having them in your life.
- We have fun with Addi by finding ways for her to do all of the same things we enjoy as a family – being outdoors, going for hikes and bike rides, and more!
- Have you participated in this event in the past?
- It’s my first time!
- Are you honoring anyone with your team?
- All the kids in my session (GiGiFIT and GiGiKitchen 6-12 year olds) and my great aunt, Anne.
- What is your favorite program to participate in at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- My favorite program to participate in at GiGi’s is definitely GiGi’s Kitchen! I love being able to explore new foods with the kids and see them try new things!
- How do you give your “best of all” each day?
- By showing that everyone is created equal and deserves to be treated with respect! Loving everyone!
- How do you show acceptance to other people?
- Be inclusive and treat people with kindness! Provide people with the resources they need to achieve!
- This year’s Dash theme is “Super Hero’s for Down Syndrome” – what do you think makes someone a Super Hero for the Down syndrome community?
- By accepting people for who they are, not for who you want them to be. Advocating for acceptance of people with Down syndrome!
- What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- My favorite way to volunteer is working directly with the people in each session. I love to be able to have a chance to have an interaction with everyone during the time I am there!
- What does it mean to you have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
- GiGi’s means so much to me! I just started volunteering this semester, but I have been one the best opportunities I have been apart of. I didn’t get a chance to know my great aunt very well, but I feel as though I am honoring her by getting to know all the kids in the programs! It brings me so much joy to be able to have time with the kids in my session.
- Have you participated in this event in the past?
- Yes! Since the beginning!
- Are you honoring anyone with your team?
- Our son, Caleb Blackburn
- What is your favorite program to participate in at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- Special Olympics Young Athletes
- How do you give your “best of all” each day?
- Live and let live
- How do you show acceptance to other people?
- Love
- This year’s Dash theme is “Super Hero’s for Down Syndrome” – what do you think makes someone a Super Hero for the Down syndrome community?
- Acceptance and Love
- What does it mean to you have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
- Great Resource
- If you have a family member or friend with Down syndrome, share how you have fun with them and the importance of having them in your life.
- A blessing we have is having fun in many activities- he shows us how to be happy and uplifting in life.
- Have you participated in this event in the past?
- Yes, in 2022, 2023 and 2024
- Are you honoring anyone with your team?
- Uncle Homer and Cousin Rodney who were both members of our family with Down Syndrome.
- What is your favorite program to participate in at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- I love being a part of the holiday party and yoga 🙂
- How do you give your “best of all” each day?
- I set goals and compete with myself.
- How do you show acceptance to other people?
- Focus on everyone’s unique, positive qualities. And high fives and hugs!
- This year’s Dash theme is “Super Hero’s for Down Syndrome” – what do you think makes someone a Super Hero for the Down syndrome community?
- Someone who shows support and encouragement to those with Down syndrome without expecting anything in return are super heros.
- What is your favorite way to volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- Last year I stepped in as Mrs. Claus and had a great time hugging all the kids and listening to their enthusiastic wishes for the holidays!
- What does it mean to you have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
- That everyone in our community can have support, resources, assistance, and fun!
- Have you participated in this event in the past?
- YES, in 2022, 2023 and 2024
- Are you honoring anyone with your team?
- Our son, Joe Perry
- What is your favorite program to participate in at GiGi’s Playhouse and why?
- Fantastic Friends
- How do you give your “best of all” each day?
- Listening better and helping others
- How do you show acceptance to other people?
- Smile and conversation
- This year’s Dash theme is “Super Hero’s for Down Syndrome” – what do you think makes someone a Super Hero for the Down syndrome community?
- Becoming friends with someone with Down syndrome
- What does it mean to you have a GiGi’s Playhouse in your community?
- It is wonderful that Joe has a safe place to go and engage in activities with friends.
- If you have a family member or friend with Down syndrome, share how you have fun with them and the importance of having them in your life.
- We go to sporting events, church, musicals and Joe teaches us he prefers time and not things.
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