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Gerber's New Spokesbaby Is Tackling Down Syndrome One Smile At A Time

I mean seriously, look at that grin! How could you not pick him?

Megan Coltharp

Feb 08, 2018

Texas A&M University

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Gerber's New Spokesbaby Is Tackling Down Syndrome One Smile At A Time

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My entire life, the Gerber baby has been exactly that - the Gerber baby. The same black and white sketch has filled their marketing advertisement, their labels, and our grocery stores.

How many of you knew that the original Gerber baby that we all know and love recently celebrated her 91st birthday? Crazy!

I have never been proud of Gerber, personally, as it really has made no direct impact on my life who the Gerber baby is. I'm sure a lot of us feel that way.

Well, I think it is the time that we take some pride in Gerber.

There have been numerous baby photo contests hosted by Gerber over the years, honestly, we don't even get reports about most of the winners.

This year - something special happened.

Gerber announced for the first time in its history that the baby photo contests winner was Lucas, a baby diagnosed with down syndrome.

When asked about their winner, Gerber stated:

Lucas' winning smile and joyful expressison won our hearts this year, and we are all thrilled to name him our 2018 Spokesbaby. Every year, we choose the baby who best exemplifies Gerber's longstanding heritage of recognizing that every baby is a Gerber baby, and this year, Lucas is the perfect fit."

I have grown up in a family that has gotten to love and experience how special children with special needs truly are. Due to it being so normal in my family, I never really stopped to think about how little they are portrayed in commercials, advertising, and in simple day to day life.

Gerber has been around for decades now. Decades.

And this is the first Spokesbaby with down syndrome?

Think about how truly big of a milestone this is for the special needs community.

Every day, every week - we truly get closer to social equality.

I am so so proud of Gerber and their decision to make Lucas their 2018 Spokesbaby. I'm proud to write about a company who has chosen to take the stand that every baby is a Gerber baby, not just those without special needs.

As Lucas' mom said,

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!

I mean seriously, look at that grin! How could you not pick him?

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Gerber's New Spokesbaby Is Tackling Down Syndrome One Smile At A Time

I mean seriously, look at that grin! How could you not pick him?

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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