Volunteer Spotlight: Abigail Calumpit

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT ALERT! Meet Abigail Calumpit. Abigail is an active volunteer within our community assisting with everything from creating social media graphics to tutoring as a part of our LitLab program. We are lucky to have her and are excited to share more about Abigail below.  

How and when did you first get involved with GiGi’s NYC?
I first got involved with GiGi’s NYC back in late 2019, but due to the pandemic I only began volunteering in December of 2020. I learned about GiGi’s amazing programs from a school advisor when I shared about my sister who had Down syndrome. 

Why did you decide to volunteer with GiGi’s NYC?
My younger and only sister who had Down syndrome passed away at an early age due to severe heart complications. To this day, she is my hero and my primary drive to pursuing a career in medicine. I want to help others like my sister and serve the community that she would have been a part of. I was inspired by GiGi’s NYC’s goal to see a world that not only accepts but also embraces individuals with Down syndrome, and when I found out that GiGi’s NYC offers educational and career development programs at no cost, I knew right away that I wanted to help out. 

What does GiGi’s NYC mean to you? 

To me GiGi’s NYC is a safe place for everyone to learn and enjoy their passions, whatever they may be.  

What is your favorite thing about the GiGi’s NYC community? 

My favorite aspect of GiGi’s NYC community is how close-knit, understanding, and accepting it is. No matter what challenges we face in life, I know that we have GiGi’s community to fall back on. Every time I log onto a GiGi’s meeting, I immediately feel safe and relaxed because of the super welcoming environment it offers and the friendly people I get to meet and become friends with. 

How do you enjoy spending your free time? 

When I’m not volunteering with GiGi’s NYC, I like to go hiking in the mountains or go bouldering, which is a type of wall climbing that does not require you to be strapped in a harness because the walls are shorter. I also like to read nonfiction novels like Educated and watch sci-fi films like Interstellar and Tenet. 

 

Please join GiGi’s NYC in extending a huge thank you to Abigail for her support of the Down syndrome community and all that she brings to our Playhouse! 

Recent Posts

Who is getting ready for the GiGi’s NYC’s 6th Annual Fashion Show?-Written by Fatima, GiGi’s NYC participant

Happy March and happy spring season, GiGi’s NYC! I would like to share some wonderful spring holidays to celebrate in March. For example, International Women’s...

Volunteer Spotlight: Katie Cowan

Meet GiGi's NYC amazing volunteer, Katie! Hailing all the way from Southport, United Kingdom, Katie came to the US for a job opportunity and began...

Who’s Getting Ready for Valentine’s Day?-Written by Fatima, GiGi’s NYC Participant

Fatima & Peter Hi everyone! Happy Valentine’s Day, GiGi’s NYC! Who is making plans for Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day makes me feel so loved since...

2 Comments

  1. Richard Reilly on June 29, 2021 at 2:45 pm

    Abigail, you share so beautifully about your sister. You do know how proud of you she would have been, remembering her with such a positive and powerful Advocacy as Gigi’s Playhouse. We in the Community thank you for your generous sharing and hope to follow and support you in your dream in the medical profession. Richard Reilly – The Grandparent Connection

  2. Hannah Providenti on July 2, 2021 at 10:06 pm

    Thank you for all that you do, Abigail! Your social media graphics are fantastic!

Leave a Comment