down syndrome

New Coach in Thief River Falls Uplifts Players, Community

Everyone raves about the sparkling presence of eighth grader Oliver Sheehan.

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (KVRR) – In a town like Thief River Falls – everybody knows everybody.  So players on the Lincoln High School Prowlers hockey team were aware of and even friends with eighth grader Oliver Kezar. But there’s a difference between having someone hang around and making them an official part of your coaching staff. “He actually said…

Teen recording artist Annabelle helps raise awareness for Gigi’s Playhouse

  FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — It was a fun night at Gigi’s Playhouse filled with music and entertainment. Gigi’s Playhouse is proud to be North Dakota’s first Down Syndrome Achievement Center which happens to be located right here in Fargo.  They have impacted over 200 families in our community by offering free educational and therapeutic programs to individuals with Down…

Gigi’s Playhouse finishing reconstruction

The reconstruction era for North Dakota's only down syndrome achievement center is nearing its end

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Gigi’s Playhouse is planning its grand re-opening later this summer one year after a fire destroyed it. One year after a fire severely damaged the building, the playhouse is adding new services for people with special needs and their families across the F-M area who use the space as a second home. “We watched from across…

South Dakota law banning Down syndrome abortions goes into effect

PIERRE, S.D. (KVRR) – A new law goes into effect in South Dakota Thursday which bans abortions when tests indicate a fetus may have Down syndrome. “Several pro-life bills that I signed are becoming law in South Dakota TODAY, including a ban on abortions based on a Down syndrome diagnosis” Gov. Kristi Noem said on social media Thursday.  “We’re protecting…

South Fargo family who lost their home in murder-suicide fire launches GoFundMe

Juanita and her family had been living in the twin home since 2005.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — A family who lost their home in a south Fargo fire is speaking out after the couple in the next door twin house died in a murder suicide. A GoFundMe page has been created to help get them back on their feet. “It was horrible,” Juanita Kreider who lost her home says. Juanita Kreider was sleeping…

Gigi’s Playhouse hosts virtual walk to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome

Walk goes online this year to support social distancing

WEST FARGO, N.D.– Gigi’s Playhouse walks every year to celebrate their loved ones with Down syndrome. Because of COVID-19, this year looks a little different. Sydney Brantl’s family is walking a mile in their neighborhood to celebrate her and to raise money for Gigi’s Playhouse– an organization that they say means so much to them. “It’s just a great place…

GiGi’s Playhouse Hosts 7th Annual Walk & Fest

The event is in celebration of National Syndrome Awareness Month

MOORHEAD, Minn. — This army is a little different than most. Its youngest member is only 19 months old. “We’re here walking for Cohen. Our son, who has Down syndrome,” said Cohen’s mom and participant in the walk, Sarah Nordin. Cohen’s Army includes nearly 60 family members and friends supporting him and others in the community with Down syndrome. “We…

GiGi’s Playhouse Celebrates Grand Re-Opening

  FARGO, N.D. — About 200 people were at the grand re–opening of GiGi’s Playhouse in Fargo. It’s North Dakota’s only achievement center for people with Down syndrome. The facility originally opened 16 years ago. Now, it’s celebrating its growth over the years with the addition of new programs and a building renovation. The expansion project is going by the…

“Leaps and Bounds” Program Helps Kids Develop Skills

Each week focuses on a different letter of the alphabet

FARGO, N.D. — Gigi’s Playhouse, a Down Syndrome achievement center, has a fun way to help preschool kids learn skills. Their Leaps and Bounds program focuses on a different letter from the alphabet each week. Today’s letter was “S,” so kids learned about things ranging from safety to being silly to singing songs. Kids’ siblings can also join in on the…

Gigi’s Playhouse Encouraging Public to Sign Happiness Wall

It's part of their celebration for the International day of happiness

  FARGO, N.D. — Tomorrow is the International Day of Happiness. To celebrate, Gigi’s Playhouse in Fargo is doing a wall of happiness. You are invited to write something you do to make other people smile or be happy. The wall will be up all week long. If you can’t make it in, you can also post on social media, along…