Why I Run, Walk & Dash | Team You do You JuJu

On August 12th, we join with families and our community of supported to Run, Walk & Dash for Down syndrome.  You still have time to join you favorite team, we want you & we need you! Please visit our 5K Page to learn all the great details!
 
Today we welcome back the wonderful Beth Craver, to share why she and her family will be supporting GiGi’s on August 12th.

Once upon a time a baby was born.  This brand-new, pink bundle had to wait patiently in his clear hospital crib as his parents absorbed his diagnosis. It didn’t take long before the parents were healing and advocating . They quickly took hold of their new normal and ran with it.  Then, one day, before their very eyes, the baby became a boy with a bursting  personality. His parents were so madly in love with him that they wouldn’t change a chromosome in his adorable little DNA.

And that is why we walk this year. Not to heal ourselves, not for the cause, but for the little boy who astonishes us and makes us laugh every single day.

At one time we were a little broken. We needed GiGi’s to help us understand that it really was all going to be alright. In the face of the unknown , they were a sea of people who knew and who smiled about their secret fortune. We didn’t know yet but we had faith in what they were showing us was true.

Then, little by little, this boy grew and so did our dedication to Down syndrome. We were going to shout in solidarity with GiGi’s…THERE IS NOTHING BAD HERE. Sure there are medical concerns, but they  only make us more aware. And yes, there are delays, but they make us more grateful and appreciative.  All of it is ultimately  cause for more celebration.
And now… three years later, this kid does not make us want to be healed, he is not Down syndrome, he is an admirable human being who has all the potential in the world. He has all of the same feelings we do. He cannot wait to watch Sesame Street first thing in the morning, the way his momma watches the Today show (which sometimes creates quite a bit of a conflict) This little boy runs, and climbs stairs and loves the slide. He hates corn and cries when he thinks you’re leaving. He empathizes when he knows he’s hurt you. He mischievously runs away from you, only to look back and see if you’re chasing him. He can’t wait to brush his teeth, wash his hands and “help” you with the laundry. He is sometimes full of kisses, planting one on everyone in his path; whether he knows you or not. He sometimes prefers not to be bothered and craves time alone with his best bud Elmo. He gobbles pizza, is obsessed with ice cream and will more than happily share either of these with you. He’s an angel when he sleeps, a buzzing bee when he’s awake and he has yet to find a happy medium . He prefers human connection over any toy and has a sixth sense when it comes to who may need a hug. He will shake water all over the floor, eat sand, and put everything we own in the garbage if you let him. He loves his glasses… and then he doesn’t. He feels sort of the same way about his new little brother but will smother him with kisses if it pleases others….

He is not even 3  and yet I can go on and on listing reasons why he is worthy of an abundant life.  He is a friend, a brother, a cousin, a son and a gift. We walk for who Judah is and what he will become. My darling boy. He is friendly. He is fearless. He is forgiving. He is fun. And he is family.

You can join/support Team You Do You Ju by clicking HERE!  

At GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse families are never alone. From a prenatal diagnosis to career skills, we make a lifetime commitment to remain by their side. Families are empowered with all the tools their child needs to succeed! Thank you for supporting GiGi’s Playhouse & believing in all individuals rocking their extra chromosome! 

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