Kristin Nelsen and her son Birk with Marijo Schwengler and her son David
Birk Nelsen chats with Sam Beedy and Blake Johnson
GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE Words by Amanda Peterson | Photography by Jill Ockhardt
D
avid Schwengler of Fargo is a sweet, spunky three-year-old who loves baseball and Spiderman. He admires his three older brothers and keeps his parents on their toes.
He’s also inspiring his family to do all they can to help others, like himself, who have Down syndrome. “All of my kids make me want to be a better mom, but David has given my life focus,” said his mom, Marijo Schwengler. Jason Schwengler and Blake Johnson pause their conversation for a quick photo
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Schwengler channeled that passion and focus into helping open GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo, a free education and support center dedicated to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The new center (3224 20th Ave. S.) offers a variety of volunteer-led education and therapy programs for kids and adults – everything from playgroups and