Making History: First-Ever Gerber Baby with Down Syndrome

From Down Syndrome World 2018 Issue 2 of 4

In February 2018, a little boy with Down syndrome took the world by storm with his contagious smile, bright blue eyes and charming personality. His name is Lucas Warren, and he’s the first-ever Gerber Spokesbaby with Down syndrome.

The nearly century-old Gerber Products Company is an iconic brand that sells baby food and baby products. Often recognized by its trademark logo, a drawing of the first Gerber Baby, Ann Turner Cook, the company selects a new Gerber Spokesbaby each year. The 1-year-old from Dalton, Georgia, was chosen from 140,000 other contestants to be the Gerber Spokesbaby for the entire year. The Gerber brand personifies the healthy, happy, perfect baby. Choosing Lucas as the 2018 Gerber Spokesbaby challenges negative stereotypes about people with Down syndrome and makes an important statement about inclusion and diversity of those who are differently-abled. Global was able to share the excitement of this historical moment during an exclusive interview with Lucas’ parents, Cortney and Jason Warren.

DOWN SYNDROME WORLD™: TELL US ABOUT THE MOMENT YOU LEARNED LUCAS WON THE GERBER CONTEST.
Cortney and Jason: Our first reaction was shock and doubt, followed by extreme excitement for Lucas! We weren’t able to tell our families and friends until after it was announced.

WHAT AN EXCITING TIME SINCE LUCAS WON! HE HAS MILLIONS OF FANS ON SOCIAL MEDIA, AND EVEN INTERVIEWS ON THE TODAY SHOW. WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE FAMOUS?
It is a proud moment for us as par ents knowing that Lucas has a platform to spread joy, not only to people he comes in contact with daily but to people all over the U .S. We are so happy that he will have this moment to look back on in the futur e and feel proud.

WHAT ARE LUCAS’ RESPONSIBILITIES AS THE 2018 GERBER SPOKESBABY?
Lucas will represent Gerber in advertisements, social media, and more throughout the year, representing joy and love. In addition, he receives $50,000 for his Spokesbaby title, which we plan to use toward his education.

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU ABOUT LUCAS?
What has surprised us the most about Lucas is Lucas himself. Being our first child, and having Down syndrome on top of that, everything is new to us. Seeing him pick up on milestones faster than what doctors and therapists say he should makes us feel so proud of him. He continues to show his doctors, therapists, friends, and family that there are no limits for him.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE HAVING LUCAS AS THE GERBER SPOKESBABY WILL DO FOR THE DOWN SYNDROME COMMUNITY AND SOCIETY IN GENERAL?
We hope this announcement will impact ever yone and shed light on the special needs community. We hope Lucas as the Gerber Spokesbaby will help educate more people that individuals with special needs should be accepted, not limited, and therefore have the potential to change the world.

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