Snapshot of Inclusion: The Thomas Family
Twin sisters Elise and Paige Thomas are shaping a legacy of friendship and inclusion. Having started participating in Best Buddies at Claggett Middle School, they knew their work wasn’t done when they went to high school. Inspired by their little sister, Faith, who has Down syndrome, Paige and Elise started a Best Buddies Friendship Chapter at Medina High School in hopes that fostering genuine connections between students with and without disabilities will be the norm once Faith is old enough to attend. Elise shares,
“I think it’s important for people to learn how to interact with people with different abilities and advocate for them.”
Driven by love for Faith, Elise, and Paige recognized the need for meaningful friendships that transcend the boundaries of disability. They hope Best Buddies will not only change Faith’s school experience but also create a culture of understanding and acceptance throughout the entire student body. Paige shares,
“Other students will stop me in the hallway and ask me about when the next Best Buddies activity is. It’s awesome to see how excited people get to participate.”
Their infectious spirit of inclusion has already spread beyond school walls. Brittany Gidley, a local photographer, recently featured the Thomas family in her holiday photoshoot. The images capture Faith’s playful essence and are infused with the joy and love celebrated by families during the holidays. From Brittany,
“The Thomas family is just like any other family that we get to love on. They are warm and kind and always happy to get silly with us! One detail that makes them shine is their adoration for Faith. After meeting her myself, I’d have to agree that she is irresistible! From her playful personality, to her enthusiasm for music and her natural ability to be the sunshine in any room- I think it’s safe to say Faith gave us some of the BEST holiday images of all time! And we all had a lot of fun while we were at it!”
Having started her career as a NICU nurse, Brittany is inspired by the hope and miracles she witnessed. She then went on to establish her photography company with the mission to “Bless Others.” The heartwarming photoshoot with the Thomas Family challenges societal norms by showcasing the beauty and cheer found in diversity. Brittany, a supporter of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion, is glad that her work may challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion. Brittany shares,
“Every child, regardless of ability, has a valuable story. And at the root, I am just that- a storyteller. I hope that the story that Brittany Gidley Photography forever tells is that diversity in all its forms, including disability, highlights strength and resilience. I am so proud to shine a spotlight on what makes each member of our BGP family sparkle the brightest!”
Elise and Paige’s dedication to Best Buddies throughout their school career highlights the transformative impact of friendship and inclusion. Through their efforts, they advocate for Faith while inspiring others to join the movement for a more inclusive world.
If you are interested in being a Best Buddies Friendship Chapter member, visit: bestbuddies.org/join or contact Ohio@bestbuddies.org for more information.
