What GiGi’s Playhouse Means to us | A Families Story

What GiGi’s Playhouse means to us

“We visited GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago when Sean was just 2 weeks old, but, we decided to take a break from Down syndrome and focus on our family for a bit. Fast forward to when he was 18 months old we decided it was time to get back to GiGi’s Playhouse this time to the Hoffman Estates location.  Once a month on Saturdays they had a crawlers group for kids under 2 were a Physical therapist, who volunteered their time, would be there with either an Occupational or Developmental therapist to help the babies learn to crawl, walk or just strengthen their core. The therapists would give parent’s tips on how to best help their child move to the next step. The biggest impact the crawlers group had was the moms that we met and were able to spend time with. There is a bond there that can never be broken because our kids are all the same age but are all going through their development with very different challenges. We have been through kid’s sicknesses together, we have said goodbye to a few of the kids, but mostly we have celebrated our kid’s milestones together. Typical kid’s milestones are great – but with kids with Down syndrome when they reach milestones – it’s huge. Kids with Down syndrome have to work so much harder, longer, and have so many challenges, together we can support and encourage each other and our children to never give up.

We have learned so much from GiGi’s Playhouse as well as gained life-long friends who we can always rely on through our journey. The fact that they offer all the therapies at no cost to any family is amazing!! Families deal with so many daily challenges already as it is, this helps alleviate the financial burden.”  Amy Lacey aka Sean’s mom.

educate.inspire.believe.