doctor visits and birthday cakes
Who looks forward to a doctor’s appointment? Marilee, our grandson Louis and I cautiously crossed over 2nd Avenue in Manhattan during rush hour. I was preoccupied with the total confusion. Not so Louis. He was excited about his upcoming birthday, spouting a long list of details. As if that weren’t...
Acceptance is more than Awareness.
October 1 begins Down syndrome "Awareness" Month but awareness is not nearly enough. Awareness is simply acknowledging an existence, a challenge, etc. Human beings are so more than an existence or a challenge. Acceptance is an ACTION and a commitment to extend consistent value, approval, and empowerment. I'm very fortunate...
RESPECT-Ability
A few weeks ago Marilee and I took the grandkids on our annual summer outing to Lake Quassy Amusement Park in the upper Connecticut countryside. The kids did the rides first: the Wooden Warrior roller coaster, the carousel, the miniature train, etc. Then our picnic lunch of sandwiches, applesauce, chips....
Acceptance Matters: Statement on Tsukui Yamayuri-en Atrocity
Acceptance matters every day. We condemn the senseless and vicious attacks on 19 defenseless individuals with disabilities this past Tuesday. The attack occurred at Tsukui Yamayuri-en, an assisted care facility outside of Tokyo Japan. Our hearts are broken. Ignorance and darkness prayed on the innocent. The unassuming. The suspect revealed to police...
A sister’s love
"Your brother has leukemia." These are words no parent ever wants to say to their daughter and no words a sister ever wants to hear. Samantha Taus Talbot has lived that nightmare, twice. Her story about Joshua is here: "On August 23rd, 2001, my life changed forever when my...
Just another day for GiGi…
Posted by GiGi's Playhouse Founder and GiGi's Mom, Nancy Gianni: You know how sometimes life gets so busy that you have to look back at your pictures just to remember it all?? That is when I think about my GiGi - the little girl I dragged with me all along...
on the ice
Dear Friends, What’s a little kid sliding around on the ice got to do with disability? Or GiGi’s Playhouse? For once I won’t apologize for how the weather stations here in Connecticut exaggerate forecasts. After all, I lived in Centerville, South Dakota for 5 years. Compared to that, our local...
Inspiration from the Grandparent Connection
We are humbled to share a blog post called "Muscle and Momentum" from Richard Reilly - known as "Poppy" to his grandson Louis - and appreciated as both a generous friend and trusted adviser to GiGi's Playhouse. Richard's eloquence and passion are truly incredible, and we are excited to begin...
Musical Hands Supporting GiGi’s Playhouse
Musical Hands Supporting GiGi’s Playhouse: Musician to record CD benefiting Individuals with Down syndrome Hoffman Estates, IL, December 14, 2015 – Pianist Ryan Shookman decided to create a holiday album that represented his family and benefited individuals with Down syndrome. He learned to play the piano with the help of...
GiGi’s Playhouse Impact Sponsors
YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT! GiGi's Playhouse serves children and adults with Down syndrome as well as families, communities, businesses and more - all over the US and in Mexico. GiGi’s Playhouse provides dedicated places for families to unite and celebrate their child’s diagnosis, as well as benefit from FREE purposeful...
Holiday Wishes from Nancy Gianni
To Our Amazing Supporters, Vendors, Playhouses, Families and Friends: CONGRATULATIONS!!! What a year! YOU are the miracles that help our families every day! Because of YOUR support and impact, I can't help but marvel at the achievements that occurred in 2015: We opened TEN playhouses bringing our total to 27!...
Impacts and Achievements because of YOU
Jane continues to grow her reading, speech and language skills through GiGi's Signature Literacy Tutoring Program and the Amina Grace Speech and Language Program. New words, new friendships, and new achievements! Three cheers for Jane and three cheers for Sarah and all of her hard work as the new...