'Gigi's Playhouse' sharpens awareness of Down syndrome

Persons with Down syndrome are born with all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. The condition is named for John Langdon Down, the British physician who described the syndrome in l866.

Nancy Gianni was not very familiar with Down syndrome 61/2 years ago when her third child, Giluliana (GiGi) was born.

"Twenty minutes after GiGi's birth, the doctors came into my room with the diagnosis. I was overcome with fear and devastation. Hospital personnel and others around me, who had been lively and friendly before, now avoided eye contact. The clergy were sent in to comfort us. Suddenly I went from being a cool, fun mom to one of 'those' moms."

"I was so afraid to bring GiGi home and start our new life. But as our family routine settled, I realized GiGi was more like my other two kids than she was different. That's when I decided to open GiGi's Playhouse and show the world the tremendous potential of children with Down syndrome. My husband, Paul, and I recruited board members and raised some money and GiGi's Playhouse was born."

"Our concept for GiGi's Playhouse was that it would be an awareness center for families and a place to celebrate the lives and showcase the talents and potentials of individuals with Down syndrome. Nearly six years later, this is just a small part of what GiGi's Playhouse does. Initially we opened in Hoffman Estates followed by a second location about two years later. Now there are Playhouses in McHenry, Fox Valley, Chicago and Sioux City, Iowa, and we will be opening in San Diego, California shortly."

Gianni has teamed up with Barrington photographer Thomas Balsmo to create an amazing exhibit, "i have a voice," opening today at the Ela Area Public Library in Lake Zurich.

"It's part of a public awareness campaign," Gianni said. "Renowned advertising creator Steven Bagby is in on this project, too, and our goal is to reveal the beauty, wisdom, and strength of the children and adults depicted in these larger-than-life portraits. We want viewers to take away a new image of Down syndrome."

When you see the portraits, you can't help but hear their voice, thus the name: "i have a voice."

The exhibit first appeared in the Chicago area last spring.

"My daughter saw her picture and ran up to it and was so proud and delighted," Gianni said. Other parents of children with Down syndrome reported the same reaction. "Actually the exhibit is terrific for children of all ages," Gianni continued. "The exhibit is art but it's also education," she added.

The Friends of the Ela Area Public Library are the sponsor for the exhibit, which continues all month at the library.

For more information about the exhibit, visit the Ela Area Public Library Web site, ateapl.org. For more information about GiGi's Playhouse visit gigisplayhouse.com.

"Families from around the world visit," Gianni said. "Not just for the resources but as a place to belong."