If you're reading this, chances are that you, somebody you love or someone in your care have recently given birth to a beautiful baby with a disability. We know first-hand how the beginning of this adventure can be filled with conflicting emotions of love, shock, joy, pride, fear, wonder, grief and unanswered questions. That’s why we are right there at point of diagnosis, via our collaboration with caring health care professionals, to shine light on the joy and opportunities ahead.

21 Gifts is about rewriting the opening act

We believe in the power of words and the ripple effect of positive emotions. That’s why we’re partnering with more than 120 hospitals to rewrite the opening act of a Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) diagnosis. From December 2022, this will also include babies diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). We work closely with health professionals to help balance the medical discourse with the celebration of a baby through seminars, speaking engagements… And a simple yet powerful symbolic gesture at point of diagnosis: A suitcase for a new adventure.

The free suitcase is packed to the rims with gifts for the whole family; bursting with hope, inspiration, helpful information and all the things you didn't know about the joys of life with a little extra. It is delivered to new parents by health professionals, right at point of diagnosis. Together with the wonderful team of 21 GIFT-ers across our hospital network, we hope to shift the focus from a medical discourse to the opportunities and the rollercoaster that is life itself.

"A suitcase for a new adventure”