Showing Up With Heart

Meet Jennifer Dabrowski, SONH Athlete and Passionate Plunger

For more than 20 years, Jennifer Dabrowski has been part of the Special Olympics New Hampshire family. She first became an athlete while attending Pinkerton Academy and has proudly continued her journey with the Derry Recreation team, the Timberwolves, ever since.

If you know Jennifer, you know her energy. She brings joy, laughter, and a deep sense of commitment to everything she does. That same passion is what has kept her coming back to the Plunge for more than a decade, year after year, thinking about her costume, setting fundraising goals, and making sure she’s doing her part to support her team and fellow athletes.

This past year asked more of Jennifer than most. While facing serious health challenges, she never stopped talking about Special Olympics or the next Plunge. Even as her family worried about what was best for her health, Jennifer stayed focused on what mattered to her. She talked about raising money for the Timberwolves. She talked about February. And she made it clear that showing up for Special Olympics was non-negotiable.

As she worked to regain strength, Jennifer joined a YMCA wellness program that helped her rebuild physically and emotionally. Week after week, she showed up, forming new friendships and finding a community that believed in her just as strongly as she believes in Special Olympics. This year, that support comes full circle, with her wellness instructor joining her in support of the Penguin Plunge.

Jennifer’s mom, Carol, says it best: Jennifer amazes her every day. She brings smiles wherever she goes and reminds those around her what resilience really looks like.

Jennifer’s story is a powerful reminder of what Special Olympics is all about. It’s about athletes finding belonging, families finding community, and people choosing to show up for one another, even when it isn’t easy. Whether you’re an athlete, a volunteer, or someone thinking about plunging or getting involved for the first time, there’s a place for you here.

We’re proud to stand beside Jennifer and celebrate the heart she brings to Special Olympics, this year and every year.