Every year, the baby food and products brand Gerber hosts a photo contest where they ask parents to send in their adorable photos of their babies for a chance to be the “yearly face of Gerber.” Every year, parents try to take adorable, sweet, and cute photos of their tots for a chance to win the nomination. As well as their child being selected as the “cutest baby” out of over 100,000 entries, there is also a cash prize (perfect for setting up that college fund, mom, and dad). This year, Gerber decided to make history with their choice in the winner.
Gerber chose 18-month-old Lucas Warren from Dalton, Georgia as the Gerber Baby photo contest winner for 2018. While Lucas is an adorable and happy little boy, he also has down syndrome, making him the first winner with down syndrome ever.
Meet the first Gerber baby with Down syndrome; his name is Lucas! https://t.co/RymRbTeVL9 pic.twitter.com/vYiRLYeHAX
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) February 7, 2018
Lucas’ parents are overjoyed with the news and both of them believe this will brighten the world and open their eyes to children with down syndrome, seeing that they are just like any other baby. His mother told TODAY that they plan to use the $50,000 prize for Lucas’ education.
Lucas’ father, Jason, told TODAY:
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.
People online were so moved and overjoyed that Gerber decided to take this opportunity to make a statement and change the world. As well, many parents who have children with down syndrome spoke out and shared their many thanks for showing that their children can be celebrated and included. They couldn’t keep their happiness to themselves.