“It’s the Friends we meet along the way that help us appreciate the journey . . . . .”

Guest Blog submitted by Brett Schatzman

GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix Self Advocate

Brett would like you to meet

some of his Playhouse friends….. They are so AWESOME!!

Sam’s favorite programs are Rock Band and Friday night friends! Sam’s favorite toys are dinosaurs. Sam likes to dance and swim (I like to dance and swim too, both are so fun😀). His favorite food is Burritos! Sam’s favorite things about GiGi’s is his friends and the Gala (these are some of my favorites also Sam, it’s so fun dancing and singing with you at all the Gala’s).😀

Jude loves LMNOP! He loves all the music and signing with his friends😀.

Jude loves his chewie and his Elmo doll.

His favorite food is Honey Nut Cheerios (those are very yummy, I like them too!).

Jude’s brother calls him Ju-Ju, as a nickname❤️. Jude likes GiGi’s because he likes having friends that are like him and all the fun events!

Desmond loves and cherishes the LMNOP and GiGiFit programs. The community support and love they receive when attending is amazing! His mom Nicole says “It takes a village!”  For right now, these are the only 2 programs they attend since they are very busy with therapies and Desmond has had two open heart surgeries, so he has had to stay in the hospital for extended stays (he is doing great now❤️).  Desmond’s favorite things to do are play the drums, listen to people sing, and music (I love those things too, it makes me happy! I am sure it makes you so happy too😀). Desmond loves music, enjoys reading books, and loves when people read to him too😀. He loves being outdoors, it is extra special because he loves nature! Did Desmond say he loves music and singing? Oh yes he did, he signs for it all day long❤️ Desmond’s mom Nicole says they sing a lot in their house. His favorite foods are meat, veggies, potatoes (all mashed up in purée form of course), and his morning smoothie (I also love smoothies Desmond, I always ask my mom to make them!). Desmond’s mommy is always saying he needs to drink more water, so they are working on that!

 Desmond has a few nicknames like Des, baby bear, and scooter because he scoots all around on his bottom to get around! Desmond loves GiGi’s! His whole family feels welcome and GiGi’s is a part of his learning and growing❤️. They feel that GiGi’s is a great support for all of them and a lot of fun! Desmond and his family say thank you to GiGi’s for all they do for them😀❤️.

Traci’s favorite program at GiGi’s is reading! Her favorite hobby is cooking (I love cooking too, it’s so fun to be in the kitchen). Traci’s favorite food is a smoothie😀. Her nickname is “T”.

Traci loves GiGi’s because she can see her friends (I think so too, I like seeing my friends, friends like you❤️)!

Submitted by Brett Schatzman

GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix Self Advocate