Every February, since 2012, I have been acutely aware just how important the month of love will forever be in our family history.
It’s not just Cupid’s month.
Nor Miguel’s birthday month.
Or the month before we start to round up our school year.
It’s the month we celebrate Gelli’s extra chromosome.
Photo Credit: Sheila Catilo
In the past, I have tried to come up with a post every day to bring awareness to kids and adults like Gelli, how we can help, what we can do, organizations that we can get involved in, and everything in between. Last year, my site crashed two weeks into February and all the posts I had queued were lost. I got so discouraged and couldn’t manage to finish (or even explain) why I wasn’t able to complete my self imposed challenge of awareness.
Photo Credit: Sheila Catilo
This year, I just knew it would be impossible for me to share every day. I always feel like February creeps up on me and I’m scrambling to get stuff done, hand stuff in, and write stuff off. It’s really hard balancing all of my responsibilities. I know that all you mommas out there reading this can totally relate. #thestruggleisreal
Photo Credit: Sheila Catilo
Today I want to share one really exciting event that took place last week.
Gerber Baby Food just announced the winner of their “Gerber Baby Food Photo Contest 2017.”
Lucas Warren was chosen by Gerber Baby Food giant to be the face for their company for the next year because of his “winning smile and joyful expression.”
This is huge for the Down Syndrome Community. We want our children to be represented in mainstream advertising and media. We want our children to be included. It is a step forward for ALL children with special needs for Lucas to be included in such a huge campaign.
Photo Credit: Sheila Catilo
It’s events like this, that can bring awareness to our cause.
It’s events like these that bring the hope to inspire other multi-national companies to be more inclusive in their advertising, not because it will garner media attention to their brand, but because it represents everyone in society.
Lucas’ momma said it succinctly,“We hope this opportunity sheds light on the special needs community and educates people that with acceptance and support, individuals with special needs have the potential to change the world – just like our Lucas!”
Photo Credit: Sheila Catilo
But I have a confession: As much I celebrate with Lucas, I still have a heavy heart and wonder when companies, here in the Philippines will embrace children of all abilities in main stream advertising as well.
I wonder when the stigma of having a child with special needs will be replaced with awareness, acceptance, and eventually the inclusion of people with all abilities.
Really. I do wonder. And I pray that this day comes very soon. Because Gelli is ready. And so is her momma.
Want to read more about Lucas?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/02/08/boy-downs-syndrome-becomes-face-us-baby-food-giant-gerber/
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/down-s-child-lucas-warren-is-new-face-of-gerber-baby-food
