#United States #Cincinnati #GiGi's Playhouse #Down Syndrome #Jake Burger

GiGi's Playhouse Partners with MLB's Jake Burger for Awareness Tour

April 1, 2025, marks a significant day for advocates of Down Syndrome as GiGi's Playhouse, a network of achievement centers dedicated to individuals with this condition, teams up with Major League Baseball (MLB) player Jake Burger. This innovative initiative is set to cover 13 cities across the United States, aiming to promote awareness and acceptance within the Down syndrome community.

The launch event took place at GiGi's Playhouse Cincinnati, where Burger was joined by his Texas Rangers teammate Corey Seager, along with Cincinnati Reds players Graham Ashcraft and Nick Lodolo. The players not only toured the facility but also engaged in activities with families, highlighting the positive impact GiGi's Playhouse has on those with Down syndrome.

Nancy Gianni, the organization's founder and Chief Belief Officer, expressed her enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, "We are beyond excited to partner with Jake Burger, the Burger Family Foundation, and the Texas Rangers for this incredible initiative. This tour is a powerful opportunity to shine a spotlight on the beauty of Down syndrome and create a more accepting world. We are grateful for the support of the MLB community and the players who are joining us in this important mission."

Jake Burger’s involvement in this initiative stems from his personal connection to the cause; he is the father of a daughter, Penelope, who was born with Down syndrome. In an act of solidarity and to raise awareness, Burger has changed his jersey number to 21, a number of significance for the Down syndrome community. He is commendably using his platform in the MLB to advocate for inclusivity and support families with similar experiences.

Alongside his wife, Ashlyn, Burger established the Burger Family Foundation to empower families facing challenges associated with disabilities. The nationwide tour will synchronize with the Texas Rangers' game schedule, making stops in locations such as Hoffman Estates, Detroit, New York, Chicago, Tampa, Minneapolis, San Diego, Orange County, Phoenix, Sacramento, Houston, and Cleveland.

For over two decades, GiGi's Playhouse has offered free educational programs, therapeutic resources, and career guidance for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. This tour serves as a remarkable method to amplify the organization's mission and teach society about the abilities of every individual.

About GiGi's Playhouse

GiGi's Playhouse stands as the only international network dedicated to Down Syndrome achievement. With 61 locations across the United States and Mexico, it provides essential educational and therapeutic programs at no cost to families. Furthermore, their virtual services extend support to families in more than 93 countries, emphasizing their commitment to empowering families from prenatal diagnosis through to career readiness.

For further details, visit GiGi's Playhouse’s website.