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The following blog was submitted by Kenzie’s Mom, Diana, on behalf of Kenzie.  Kenzie’s life began in an orphanage in the Ukraine.  Since that time, Kenzie has been adopted by a loving family and now resides in the US.   This piece reminds us of the very different journeys individuals traverse.  Thank you, Diana, for sharing…

The following was submitted by Marlene, one of our GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix Moms.  Thank you so much for sharing this, Marlene. “When the seat next to you suddenly becomes empty…….” “We never really think about how hard it could be when your best friend, the person you share everything with, suddenly becomes sick.  For typical…

Ryder’s Mom, Andrea, wrote the following.  She is “giving a voice” and a perspective for many Moms and their children.  Thank you for sharing this Andrea and for giving your “Best of All” for Ryder!     “This is Ryder. He’s 3 and a half. I know he’s small and you would never know. Which…

GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix is GRATEFUL. On this Thanksgiving Day, let us take a moment to express our gratefulness to all our Donors, Volunteers, GiGi’s Families, GiGi’s Friends, GiGi’s Staff and the Community in the Greater Phoenix Area who continue to support GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix and the Career Development Center. This past year continued to bless…

This year, GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix/Scottsdale expanded operations to include its new Career Development Center.  Two programs are being offered for adults 18+ years of age, GiGi Prep and GiGi U which support our mission to provide programs that support an individual with Down syndrome from birth to adulthood and the development of all our GiGi’s…

  In recognition of Down Syndrome Acceptance Month, we are sharing one of our GiGi’s Families International Journey of adoption to bring McKenzie home from the Ukraine to the United States.  This is an incredible testimonial of Generation G; acceptance, kindness, and generosity. “What Makes You Different, Makes You Beautiful” “As a family, we have…

GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix/Scottsdale is so grateful for the exceptional volunteers who have found their way to the Playhouse and the Career Development Center.  Thank you to Christel Baker for submitting her story. ” I am a wife and mother of four wonderful kids. They range in age from fifteen to twenty-five.  My twenty-year-old son is a…

Happy Labor Day Weekend! GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix/Scottsdale is a testimonial to a “Labor of Love”. Five short years ago, three young mothers who all had children with Down syndrome, dreamed of and possessed a vision to bring a GiGi’s Playhouse and GIGI U to serve the Greater Phoenix Area. Together with family members and friends,…

As a Tribute to Friendship and National Friendship Day, Marlene Schatzman submitted the following:   “Recently it was National Friendship day…our whole lives we are always told how friends are so important. Friends in our lives come and go, we all accept this. Now as a “special needs” parent we see it is hard for…