Every child deserves to be celebrated. This belief fuels the mission of Jack’s Basket, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to supporting families of babies with Down syndrome. Founded by Carissa Carroll—a mother of three whose own journey unexpectedly transformed at the birth of her son, Jack—Jack’s Basket strives to ensure that new and expectant parents receive the resources and community support they need to welcome and celebrate their beautiful children.
The inception of Jack’s Basket began in March 2013, a pivotal moment for Carissa and her husband. After a tumultuous emergency C-section, Carissa received the life-altering news about Jack’s diagnosis, delivered coldly and abruptly by a nurse. Left with confusion and heartbreak, Carissa and her husband had to navigate this uncharted territory, grappling with emotions that no new parent should have to endure alone.
As Carissa reflected on her own early experiences, it became clear to her that the way in which a diagnosis is shared can profoundly impact a family's ability to accept and celebrate their child. This realization ignited a fire in her heart to change the narrative surrounding Down syndrome diagnoses, transforming fear and sorrow into joy and acceptance. Inspired to impact future families positively, she set out to ensure that every new parent would hear “Congratulations!” instead of “I’m sorry,” or “I have bad news.”
On Jack’s first birthday, Carissa delivered the first “Jack’s Basket” to families in the very hospital where Jack was born. Each basket was a heartfelt package containing newborn gifts, vital resources, and a personal letter from her family, sharing the lessons they learned in their first year with Jack. These baskets communicated a powerful message: life is filled with unexpected joy and love, and every child is a precious gift to be celebrated.
Since that momentous day, Jack’s Basket has blossomed into an organization that has touched the lives of over 10,000 families across all 50 states and more than 50 countries. With the dedication of 179 parent volunteers (a few from Edina), including a remarkable volunteer in Singapore, and a team of seven employees, Jack’s Basket continues to spread hope and support.
"I never could have imagined Jack's Basket would be where we are today, but I'm immensely grateful and proud of it," Carissa says. "This is my passion."
In addition to providing baskets, the nonprofit is committed to equipping medical providers with the tools necessary to deliver Down syndrome diagnoses in a compassionate and unbiased manner. By emphasizing the importance of how information is communicated, Carissa’s mission is to create a ripple effect of positivity that echoes through the community, empowering families to embrace their journey.
Underpinning all of this is the “You Make Me Better” campaign, celebrating the profound impact that individuals with Down syndrome have on everyone around them. Each story shared reflects the consensus among parents, friends, siblings, teammates and others: the presence of a person with Down syndrome enriches their lives in immeasurable ways. In Carissa’s words, “Jack has made our lives better in so many ways,” and this sentiment resonates deeply with every family touched by the nonprofit.
The journey of Jack’s Basket is more than a personal story; it is a movement to reshape perceptions and promote acceptance. As more families discover the gift of support through Jack’s Basket, the hope is that society will come to celebrate every child for who they are. Carissa’s unwavering belief is clear: “I would not change him for the world, but I will change the world because of him.”
Join Carissa and her team in spreading awareness, providing support, and celebrating the lives of children with Down syndrome. Together, everyone can create a world where every child, like Jack, is celebrated, cherished, and fully accepted for who they are.