Why GiGi’s | Lisa

We were told about halfway through the pregnancy with my first son that, due to prenatal screening results, our son had a 1 in 150 chance of having Down syndrome. We were given additional options to confirm whether or not he had Down syndrome. My husband and I decided to not proceed with additional testing because it wouldn’t have changed anything for us.

It was not until our son was born that we received his diagnosis. It took about 8 days for us to get the results back. That had to have been one of the hardest weeks of my life. Not only were my husband and I brand new parents, but we were parents to a baby with “special needs.” I had no idea what our lives would be like. Neither of us had known anyone with Down syndrome before.

I am forever grateful for our first conversation with our son’s pediatrician the day after he was born.

His demeanor was calm and congratulatory, not once did he apologize or express sympathy. He reassured us that life will be fine and that people with Down syndrome are pretty amazing. It was hard to see then through all of my fears and doubts, but he was right. This conversation was a tough one to have but it shaped the start of our journey. I know many parents did not have this same experience. That is why I advocate so hard. Every family that is expecting or has just welcomed a child with Down syndrome needs to be congratulated and celebrated. They also need to know that the Down syndrome community is unlike any other, and that they have access to resources and people that will make this journey an incredible one.

The diagnosis may not have been something you anticipated, but it will change your life for the better.

Why GiGi’s? Because when I am with my son and his “extra chromie homies,” I can’t help but feel happy and grounded in their presence. At 3 years old, my son has been my greatest teacher, showing me what truly is important in life. I have learned firsthand that children and adults with Down syndrome have so much to offer. By opening a GiGi’s Playhouse in Sacramento, we are giving them all of the resources they need to be able to pursue their dreams.

  Lisa