“Every year, we choose the baby who best exemplifies Gerber’s longstanding heritage of recognizing that every baby is a Gerber baby,” he told TODAY. “This year, Lucas is the perfect fit.”
Lucas’ proud dad Jason Warren says they are hoping Lucas won’t just be an ambassador for Gerber, but for people with special needs as well. “We’re hoping this will impact everyone — that it will shed a little bit of light on the special needs community and help more individuals with special needs be accepted and not limited,” he said. “They have the potential to change the world, just like everybody else.”
Mom Cortney says she also hopes that people will see not just how Down syndrome makes Lucas different, but how much ALIKE he is to all other kids – one who enjoys play, music, and socializing, just like “typical” babies.
I am so, so grateful that Gerber has made this choice for their Gerber Baby this year. The more big brands are willing to step up and use people with disabilities and differences in their advertising, the more our society will see and recognize the value of these precious, essential people to our society. THANK YOU Gerber, and Lucas — I hope you have the most AMAZING year letting your light shine!
