Chicagoans You Need To Know: Nancy Gianni

South Barrington native, Nancy Gianni, has dedicated her entire life to supporting her daughter, Gigi, who in 2002, was born with Down syndrome.

Like most first time mothers who have children with Down syndrome, Gianni felt scared and hopeless.

Gianni had many questions but felt there was nowhere to go - so she founded GiGi's Playhouse, a series of 31 achievement centers across the US and Mexico for children and adults with Down syndrome.

This Chicagoan You Need To Know was recently named a CNN Hero for her contributions to the community.

For more information about Gigi's Playhouse, please visit gigisplayhouse.org.