Posts by Frankie Cohen
The Foundation of Everything: Why Core Strength Is Life-Changing for Individuals with Down Syndrome
The Foundation of Everything: Why Core Strength Is Life-Changing for Individuals with Down Syndrome You woke up and sat upright in bed. You stood, walked to the kitchen, poured a cup of coffee, and sat down at the table. Maybe you reached for something on a high shelf, or bent down to tie your shoes,…
Read MoreMore Than Just ‘Low Muscle Tone’: What Parents of Children with Down Syndrome Need to Know—and Why GiGiFIT Changes Everything
The Moment Parents Hear Those Words If you are the parent of a child with Down syndrome, chances are one of the very first things a doctor or therapist mentioned was low muscle tone — or its clinical name, hypotonia. Maybe it came in those first hours after birth, or perhaps at a therapy evaluation…
Read MoreWe Did It, Simi Valley — Recap of the GiGi’s 5K!
The energy was electric, the community showed up in a big way, and the results speak for themselves. On Saturday, April 25, GiGi’s Playhouse Simi Valley came together at Simi Valley Civic Center Park for a morning that reminded us exactly why we do what we do. Over 400 Registrants. Over $78,000 Raised. That’s the…
Read MoreBeat by Beat, Community Shows Up: Connecting a Caring Community Hosts Drum Circle with GiGi’s Playhouse Simi Valley
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SIMI VALLEY, CA — On Monday, April 13, GiGi’s Playhouse Simi Valley was alive with rhythm, joy, and the kind of connection that reminds us why community matters. Connecting a Caring Community’s Women in Action group brought Aaron’s Drum Circle to the Playhouse for a morning that no one in that room…
Read MoreRoyal High School Students Lead with Heart Through “Royal Cares” Fundraiser
There are moments that remind us just how powerful community can be—and this is one of them. Recently, four incredible Royal High School Boys Volleyball student-athletes—Micah Park, Matthew Deng, Ranbir Jain, and Rishik Tanwani—turned an idea into impact through their “Royal Cares” fundraiser in support of GiGi’s Playhouse Simi Valley. With the support of Rancho…
Read MoreMore Than a Day: Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day at GiGi’s Playhouse Simi Valley
World Down Syndrome Day is always one of the most meaningful days of the year at GiGi’s Playhouse—and this year was no exception. On March 21 (3/21), our community came together in the most beautiful way to celebrate, connect, and raise awareness—and it ws truly a day to remember. This year, we marked the occasion…
Read MoreCommunity in Action: Rocky Peak Church All Serve Day at GiGi’s Playhouse
There is something incredibly powerful about a community coming together to serve others. This past Saturday, GiGi’s Playhouse Simi Valley had the privilege of being one of the recipients of Rocky Peak Church’s annual All Serve Day, and what an incredible morning it was! A dedicated group of volunteers arrived bright and early, ready to…
Read MoreBuilt to Move: How Fitness Helps Individuals with Down Syndrome Shine
Movement is more than exercise—it’s confidence, independence, and joy in action. For individuals with Down syndrome, fitness plays a powerful role in supporting overall health, building lifelong skills, and creating opportunities to thrive. At GiGi’s Playhouse, we see every day how purposeful movement helps individuals grow stronger—physically, socially, and emotionally. That’s why fitness is a…
Read MoreWhat is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra chromosome influences learning and development—but it also brings unique strengths, perspectives, and endless potential. At GiGi’s Playhouse, we celebrate individuals with Down syndrome for who they are: capable, determined, and full of possibility.…
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