Lucas Warren, a baby with Down syndrome, was selected as the Gerber Spokesbaby for 2018. It is the first time in history that a baby with Down syndrome has been chosen.
Bernadette Tortorella, senior media manager for Gerber, says however, it was not because of the disability that Lucas was chosen. Lucas was chosen from 140,000 entries for “the twinkle in his eye and his rosy cheeks,” Tortorella said.
“We see all babies as Gerber babies,” Tortorella said. “[Lucas’ diagnosis]… didn’t factor in at all.”
Of note is that nowhere in Gerber’s marketing materials on the selection does Gerber mention Lucas’ condition.
Lucas’ parents, Cortney and Jason Warren of Dalton, Georgia, say they entered the contest “on a whim.” When she found out Lucas had been selected, Courtney was “just completely shocked,” she said. She described Lucas as “very energetic, loves to make others laugh. He’s never met a stranger.”
Lucas’ father said his son’s selection is “an honor.”
Lucas will be featured on Gerber’s social media pages for the next year, including on special occasions like Valentine’s Day and Christmas. Fans will also follow along as he learns his first words and takes his first steps.