SISTERS, SEPARATED BY CONTINENTS – REUNITED BY STRENGTH, FITNESS,AND COMMUNITY

When I moved to the United States from Ukraine at the age of 15, I knew I was stepping into a completely new life. North Carolina became my new home — a place where I finished high school, pursued my degrees in nutrition science, and started to lay down roots. But while I was chasing opportunities, part of my heart remained across the world, separated from my family, especially my younger sister, Anya.

Fast forward nearly a decade, and the escalating war in Ukraine forced a long-overdue but deeply emotional reunion. Anya and my parents had been visiting Moldova when the war began. With no time to return home, they came directly to the U.S. with nothing but a few winter clothes and a new beginning ahead of them. Reuniting wasn’t just about being together — it was about healing, adapting, and finding purpose as a family in a new land.

We were incredibly fortunate to find GiGi’s Playhouse, a place that quickly became more than just a resource — it became a family. They welcomed us with open arms, providing not only critical community connections and tangible support but also something far greater: a sense of belonging. GiGi’s connected us with partners to help get my family settled and gave us a safe space to contribute, connect, and grow. Today, volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse is a cherished family activity — my parents attend the “Strength Without Labels” (SWOL) sessions every week.

The SWOL program was born from the bond between two sisters who, despite years of separation and adversity, found their way back to each other and to a shared mission of empowerment through fitness. Anya and I always had a special connection. Growing up, we were best friends who loved dancing, crafting, and spending every moment together. But when we reunited, our shared love for movement became something even more powerful.

Together, we started strength training — at first just to stay active, but eventually as a means of building resilience, confidence, and joy. As I shared glimpses of our routines and recipes on social media, we were overwhelmed by the response. We received messages from people all over the world, especially families of individuals with Down syndrome, expressing how much they needed to see this kind of representation — joyful, strong, and unapologetically proud.

We saw a major gap in how disability was portrayed online — often reduced to pity or limitations. But that’s not the story we were living. Anya was growing stronger every week, physically and emotionally. With consistency, her balance improved, stairs no longer scared her, and her belief in herself soared. She was thriving. And the world deserved to see it.

We became Generation G Ambassadors with GiGi’s Playhouse, advocating for acceptance, inclusion, and love. But I wanted to go further. That’s when the idea for Strength Without Labels took root.

SWOL is more than just a fitness program. It’s a movement that challenges stereotypes, builds community, and celebrates what’s possible when we focus on ability, not limits. Together with GiGi’s Playhouse, we launched a strength training initiative designed specifically for adults with Down syndrome.

Held initially at GiGi’s Playhouse in Cary, NC, and now generously supported by Bucked Up Fitness in Cary, SWOL offers participants access to a full gym and tailored programming using kettlebells, resistance machines, sleds, and more. Each session incorporates:

• A gentle warm-up and cool-down

• Strength-building workouts

• Functional movements that mimic everyday tasks

• Fun, engaging group activities to build community and confidence

We’ve seen transformations unfold in front of us. Participants grow stronger, gain coordination, improve their health, and most importantly — believe in themselves. That confidence radiates into every part of their lives. And for Anya and me, seeing those moments of breakthrough is the most rewarding part of the entire journey.

But the impact of SWOL doesn’t stop when the session ends. Many participants continue their workouts at home through my app, creating a sense of independence and routine that extends beyond the gym walls.

I never imagined that our personal story of resilience and sisterhood would blossom into a community movement. But here we are, walking side by side with families, volunteers, and advocates who believe in a world where everyone belongs.

Being part of GiGi’s Playhouse has shaped my heart in ways I can’t put into words. It reminded me of the unyielding power of love, family, and community. It’s where Anya and I found our rhythm, and where we’ve built a platform that amplifies ability, celebrates difference, and spreads strength — without labels.

We hope to see you at GiGi’s Playhouse — where every story, every muscle flexed, and every smile reminds us that we are stronger together.

Written by Valeriia Litvinova