Remarkable Heartfelt Generosity

Gable Heart Beats Donates AED to GiGi’s Playhouse

We are profoundly grateful to the Gable Heart Beats Foundation for their generous donation of an AED machine to GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County. This life-saving gift enhances the safety of our Playhouse and reflects their unwavering commitment to protecting lives through early detection, prevention, and community education.

Suzanne was personally inspired to reach out to the Gable Heart Beats Foundation due to a tragic event that left a lasting impact on her. Her husband played college basketball with Hank Gathers, who collapsed on the court and passed away from a cardiovascular disorder. At the time, no AED machine was available—one that might have saved his life. Now, working with individuals who are at increased risk for heart complications, Suzanne wanted to ensure that GiGi’s Playhouse was properly equipped to handle a cardiac emergency, providing a safer space for all who walk through our doors.

The Gable Heart Beats Foundation was founded in honor of Mike Gable, a beloved father and coach who passed away unexpectedly from an undiagnosed heart condition. Determined to turn their grief into action, his family created the foundation to prevent similar tragedies. Through their work, they provide crucial resources such as heart screenings with EKGs and Echocardiograms, ensuring that potential cardiac conditions are detected early. In addition, they place AEDs in schools, sports parks, and community facilities, making life-saving equipment readily available when it is needed most. What began as a heartfelt tribute to Mike has grown into a mission-driven organization that is changing lives and strengthening communities.

Heart health is especially critical for individuals with Down syndrome, as nearly 50% are born with congenital heart defects. These conditions can range from minor issues requiring monitoring to severe defects that necessitate surgical intervention. Thanks to advancements in medical care, many individuals with Down syndrome now live longer, healthier lives, but ongoing access to specialized cardiac care remains essential. Even those who have undergone successful surgeries in infancy or childhood may still face long-term heart concerns, such as valve disorders or pulmonary hypertension, making routine cardiac checkups and emergency preparedness crucial for their well-being.

This is why organizations like the Gable Heart Beats Foundation play such an important role. By funding heart screenings, donating AEDs, and raising awareness about cardiac health, they provide families and caregivers with the tools and knowledge needed to prevent emergencies. Their mission aligns with our commitment at GiGi’s Playhouse to support individuals with Down syndrome and ensure they have access to the best possible care and resources. Their work is not only life-saving—it is life-changing, empowering communities with the confidence and ability to respond to cardiac emergencies when every second counts.

The impact of the Gable Heart Beats Foundation reaches far beyond the physical donations they provide. Their dedication to heart health is transforming lives, offering peace of mind to families and creating safer environments for individuals of all ages. By increasing awareness, funding crucial screenings, and equipping public spaces with AEDs, they are making an undeniable difference in the fight against undiagnosed cardiac conditions. Their mission is a powerful reminder that one family’s determination can ignite a movement capable of saving countless lives.

Beyond their extraordinary work in heart health, the Gable Heart Beats Foundation serves as an inspiration to organizations like GiGi’s Playhouse. Their generosity and passion encourage nonprofits like ours to continue striving for safer, more inclusive communities. Thanks to their support, GiGi’s Playhouse is now better equipped to provide a secure and welcoming environment for our participants and their families.

We are truly honored to partner with such an incredible organization and deeply grateful for their generosity. To learn more about the Gable Heart Beats Foundation and Mike Gable’s inspiring story, click on the link below.

GiGi’s Playhouse Orange County is a nonprofit achievement center dedicated to empowering individuals with Down syndrome through free, purposeful programs that foster growth, confidence, and independence. From early childhood development and literacy tutoring to fitness, social programs, and career preparation, every offering is designed to support individuals from birth through adulthood. Our mission is to create a world where individuals with Down syndrome are celebrated, valued, and given the tools to reach their greatest potential—all in a welcoming, inclusive community. 100% donor-funded, GiGi’s Playhouse relies on the generosity of supporters to keep our doors open and our programs accessible to all. Join us in changing lives through education, empowerment, and acceptance!