Heather’s Hawaii 5-0 Team

Shari, Heather’s mom, shares their “why” for participating in The GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge (GFAC) 2023 – Virtual Movement.

“We love the GFAC – Virtual Movement!  It is an amazing opportunity to raise awareness, feel the love and support of our family and friends AND get moving.   There are so many ways to participate, but we like to gather with our family and friends from all over the midwest and walk next to Lake Pepin in Lake City, MN, walk around Volkening Lake in Schaumburg, IL, walk along the Mississippi in Guttenburg, IA, and walk the trails in Cedar Falls, IA! This year we hope to add a hike in Pike’s Peak!  

People we meet on our walks often stop us and ask what we are walking for and we get to share how awesome Down syndrome is and how GiGi’s Playhouse inspires, educates and believes!!

I would encourage everyone to join the GFAC – Virtual Movement this year to help us promote awareness, feel the love and support and support the GiGi’s mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome and send a global message of acceptance for all!  You can make your virtual movement your own and we can all share our experience together virtually!”

Make your team today on our GiGiFIT event website.

The purposeful programs at GiGi’s Playhouse have been an integral part of Heather’s life for the past 20 years.  She learns so many skills in literacy tutoring, math tutoring, GiGiFIT, and GiGi’s Kitchen.  You can often find her in the kitchen cooking for me.  The CONFIDENCE and INDEPENDENCE she gains in her experiences with GiGi’s Playhouse is life-changing!  

Hazel Spotlight

Finding Joy in Every Sign: Hazel’s Journey with LMNOP at GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse 

For many families, connection is built in the quiet, everyday moments—the ones that might seem small from the outside but carry so much meaning at home. For Hazel Holt and her family, those moments are happening each week through GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse LMNOP program, where music, movement, and early communication come together in a way…

VPH Sarah Volunteer Spotlight MC

Kicks, Confidence, and Community: Sarah’s GiGi’s Journey 

Sarah’s journey as a volunteer is rooted in something deeply personal: a lifelong passion for supporting people with special needs and creating spaces where everyone feels included. From her early experiences in special education classes as a child to becoming a leader and advocate in her community today, Sarah’s story is one of compassion, leadership,…

VPH Family Spotlight- Maggie MC (1)

Turning Math Upside-Down (Literally!): Maggie’s Lightbulb Moment 

How a vertical number line helped one student unlock confidence and accuracy  By Katie Buss, BSW Intern, Aurora University & GiGi’s Playhouse Virtual Playhouse Tutor (Fall 2025 – Spring 2026)  When you meet 12-year-old Maggie, you immediately notice her spark. This fifth-grader from Massachusetts brings enthusiasm, humor, and heart to every tutoring session. Whether she’s talking about cheerleading (“GO EAGLES!”), gymnastics,…

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