A Holiday Message from Katie Firedancing
Our daughter Rynn, age 3, has Down syndrome. Rynn lights up when she hears a song, and her happiest moments are when she’s surrounded by her people, dancing around the house.
Being Rynn’s mom has changed the way I see the holidays. She reminds us to be more present and to find joy in small, simple moments. Her world moves at a different pace, and in that quiet, we find peace.
This season, we’re grateful for GiGi’s Playhouse, a place of comfort and growth for us. Rynn has gained confidence, social skills, and a sense of belonging. It has become an essential part of our journey.
My hope this season is that our story reminds others that people are more alike than different.
A Holiday Message from Marlene and Barry Schatzman
Our son Brett is 33 years old and has Down syndrome. He loves being around people and has a gift for connecting with kind hearts.
We love the holiday season. We bake cookies, sing songs while Brett plays his instruments, light the menorah, and help decorate his sister and brother-in-law’s tree. Brett loves being an uncle!
The season always reminds us to slow down and savor the moment. Every day, he teaches us to find joy and gratitude in small things.
When the holidays end, he looks forward to January and the GiGi’s Playhouse Gala. In fact, people at Gigi's call him “The Mayor” because he is truly their biggest fan. He is a proud GiGiU graduate, a Studio Café intern, and a dedicated GiGi Gala committee member. Watching him thrive has brought our family tremendous joy and pride.
We want people to know that just because our family may look different, there is no less joy in it. In fact, there may be even more.
A Holiday Message from Vivian Izguerra
Our daughter Amoure is 12 years old and has Down syndrome. She is calm, happy, and full of light. Music is her joy. Whenever she listens, you can see it in her face and feel it in the room.
For us, the holidays are filled with family, friends, and tradition. We celebrate with the flavors and customs of both Venezuela and Mexico, and we always find time to be together. Each year we see Amoure understand and enjoy the season a little more, and that is the greatest gift.
Being her mom has changed the way I see life and the holidays. She has taught me to step back and see beauty in simplicity.
My hope is that when people hear our story, they are reminded to be kind, to look deeper, and to find meaning in every moment.
GiGi’s Playhouse has been part of our lives for 10 years and has become an extension of our family. It has given Amoure a place to grow and belong, and it has given our family love, friendship, and endless support.
GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix Gala
Oh, The Places We’ll Go!
Join the celebration on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Omni Montelucia as GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix hosts its annual gala supporting individuals with Down syndrome.
Enjoy cocktails, dinner, a live auction, and dancing. All proceeds benefit GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix and its year-round programs that empower participants through free educational, therapeutic, and career development opportunities.
gigisplayhouse.org/phoenix/gala
"We want people to know that just because our family may look different, there is no less joy in it. In fact, there may be even more."