Posts by mchauthor
The positive impact the Amina Grace Speech & Language Program will bring to McHenry County…
As a mother to a 4 year old daughter with Down syndrome, my hope is that she will be able to participate fully in all life experiences, including school, sports, work, and relationships. One of our biggest challenges to her future success is her ability to communicate effectively. I share this concern with other families…
Read MoreThank you to the Dingle Family, Steve Drain and TNT Athletics!
One thing I’ve learned on our life with Down syndrome journey, is that kindness and support can come at unexpected times and that it can leave you completely speechless. On Christmas morning, after all the gifts were opened and breakfast goodies were gobbled down, I sat down to find a message from my friend, Sally.…
Read Morethe world became a better place
22 years and 3 months ago the world became a better place when my wife, Beth, gave birth to our first of three sons. About half an hour after he was born the doctor informed us that Flynn exhibited characteristics of Down Syndrome. There was some denial, but we skipped over anger, bargaining, and even…
Read MoreDown Syndrome Acceptance Month 2017-Day 15
Down Syndrome Acceptance Month 2017-Day 15 We have been involved in GiGi’s Playhouse McHenry County since it began 8 years ago. This is where Rebecca first learned to read, practice her emerging social skills and go for just plain fun. For the past few years, Rebecca has been a regular attendee at the Kids Club…
Read MoreBunco Down 2017-Down Syndrome Acceptance Month!
What a great way to kick off Down Syndrome Acceptance Month…Sunday, October 1st was our 6th Annual Bunco Down Benefit! The room was filled with 250 participants, all of which were there to support GiGi’s Playhouse McHenry County Down Syndrome Achievement Center and to help us with our mission; to change the way the world…
Read More321 Days of Acceptance | Love is Stronger than Death
Today we have a very special little lady to introduce you to, Amina Grace. Amina’s mom is going to share with us today the impact and legacy this hardworking, smart and inspiring young lady had on all who knew her. I would like to share with you the reason I am so passionate about…
Read Morewhat happens once a month at Kids Club, is a matter of point of view.
I’m curious if any of you are familiar with the song, “Just Fishin”, by Trace Adkins. If not, it is the story of a dad whose daughter thinks her and dad are just out for a day of fishing together, but from the dad’s point of view, it is so much more. She sees a…
Read MoreSports Day 2017
One of our outstanding community events is our annual Sports Day, which is put on in conjunction with the McHenry High School football team. The players learn about DS prior to the event, plan the activities and carry out all aspects of the day. Each player is then paired up or buddied up with a…
Read MoreThankful Parent…
This note was sent to the Site Coordinator at GiGi’s Playhouse McHenry County after the Leaps and Bounds program this past weekend: I feel the need to write a love letter of sorts to the program volunteers and tutors we’ve encountered at GiGi’s Playhouse in McHenry. I continually leave the playhouse after one of our…
Read MoreSpring Fashion Show & Luncheon 2017
What a wonderful afternoon… Twenty-seven models celebrated their achievements as they walked the runway – all smiles and full of confidence. The luncheon was delicious. The friendship of family and friends abounded. Members of the McHenry High School Football team, along with their buddies from this past Sports Day, joined their coach on stage to accept…
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