JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Amidst the festive season of gift-giving and family gatherings, two mothers from Florida are offering something far more profound than any store-bought present. They are sharing warmth, unity, and joy with families who find themselves part of what they affectionately refer to as “the lucky few”—those who welcome a baby with Down syndrome into their lives.

Lauren Hatch from Alachua vividly recalls that pivotal moment nine years ago, a moment that was not marked by celebration.

When her son Ethan arrived, the tone of concern in the voices that conveyed his diagnosis lingered in her memory.

“I didn’t experience that joy when my son was born,” she reflected. “I know how disheartening it can be when others don’t share in the excitement of your baby’s arrival, especially after such an incredible experience.”

“I didn’t have that experience when my son was born,” she said. “I understand how disappointing it can feel to not have people celebrate your baby when you’re so excited and you’ve just gone through this amazing experience.”

It’s exactly why Lauren and fellow Jacksonville mom DeAnna Eberle volunteer with Jack’s Basket, a nonprofit that’s transforming how families experience those first hours and days after a Down syndrome diagnosis. 

The organization works with hospitals, parents, and volunteers nationwide to ensure the first words new families hear are the ones they deserve: “Congratulations.”

“They want to change the narrative,” Eberle said. “The first words out of your mouth should be congratulations because at the end of the day, it’s a baby — a great, exciting thing — and you’re in for the best journey of your life.”

Jack’s Basket celebrates each baby with a hand-delivered gift basket filled with meaningful keepsakes: a soft blanket, baby toys, books, and resources tailored to the child’s upbringing. 

The baskets also connect families with local support groups and other parents who know exactly what those early emotions feel like.

For many, those small items become treasured parts of their child’s journey.

Lauren recalls how much joy one friend experienced after receiving her basket.

“She sent me pictures of her son Levi on his blanket,” she said. “She said that’s his favorite toy now. My son still plays with it and he’s 16 months. He still brings it to our community groups — it’s so cute.”

But the heart of Jack’s Basket goes beyond gifts. It’s about shifting perspective: reminding families that a diagnosis doesn’t change who their child is or what they can accomplish.

“There isn’t anything they technically can’t do,” Eberle said. “They just do it at their own pace.”

For Lauren, that pace became something to celebrate — every step, every new skill, every milestone that required determination and support.

“For me, it’s celebrating all the wins,” she said. “Even simple things like eating and drinking… every little milestone, we all celebrated.”

With every basket delivered, the organization hopes to give families what they need most: reassurance, community, and the message that their baby is a gift worth celebrating from the very beginning.

To learn more about Jack’s Basket, request a basket, or support the mission, visit the organization’s website.