GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge 2025

The GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge is a physical and social movement for acceptance, bringing people together to MOVE in support of global acceptance for all! Who will you MOVE for?

A little over a year ago, we received our baby’s diagnosis through a mobile app on my phone. No call from a doctor, just a big red exclamation point with “Trisomy 21” next to it. I went straight to Google and “Down Syndrome” were the next two words I read. I said them aloud to my husband and then felt my world starting to cave in on me. This baby we prayed for and wanted for so long had a 98% chance of having Down Syndrome.

I have replayed that day over in my head a thousand times, wishing I could tell myself how my baby would be OK. The more I Googled, the more I felt like I was a ticking time bomb, rather than finally pregnant with the greatest blessing of our lives. Each time I was asked if I wanted to terminate my pregnancy, the answer wasn’t hard to find, but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t feel the weight of the world on my shoulders and second guess myself a million times as I waited for the weeks and doctors appointments to progress.  I just wanted what was best for my baby, but there was so. much. unknown.

Friday is World Down Syndrome Day. We announced our pregnancy on World Down Syndrome Day 2024 and welcomed our perfect baby girl into the world in September 2025.

Maybe I’ll continue to share more bits and pieces of our journey as I continue to reflect and learn what it’s like to watch the unknown unfold, but so far, the beauty and joy far outweigh all my fears.

Our baby girl is perfect and I am amazed at the joy and light she already brings to this world. As with any mom, I just want a world that is kind to my baby. I want a world that celebrates her – just as she is, while also giving her room to grow, learn, and reach her full potential. The Down Syndrome community and families who share in the journey of loving someone with Down Syndrome have already been so welcoming and brave in the way they have shown up for my family. Whether it’s been open conversations about navigating early intervention programs, or midnight messages over social media sharing stories and pictures, the open hearts are the strongest…and they have given me so much hope and comfort when I have needed it most.

This is our first year participating in the GiGiFIT Challenge and we are thankful to have such amazing resources and events connecting us with this community. My world is brighter because of Blakeley and if there’s anything I can do to support kindness and inclusion for HER world, I will.

This isn’t about the donations or event itself, but more about leaning into this beautiful movement of global acceptance. If you can, I’d really appreciate the support in kicking off Blakeley’s first year participating! The donations for the GiGiFIT Challenge go towards funding free educational, therapeutic, and career development programming for individuals with Down syndrome and their families at GiGi’s Playhouse.

Thank you for the love and support!