Mick Richards was in India with the Ashley DeRamus Foundation, Aug. 7 – 28th, to help tell the story of Ashley’s journey into various parts of India, her heart for helping children, and achieving an Advocate of the Year Award by Down Syndrome International Congress.
Ashley DeRamus of Hoover, Ala. is a sister, a friend, an entrepreneur, an advocate, a singer, a public speaker, a swimmer, a music video star and a fashion designer. She also has Down syndrome. In February 2012, Ashley, along with her mother, Connie DeRamus, established The Ashley DeRamus Foundation, an organization founded for and dedicated to the education, advancement and quality of lifestyle for those with Down syndrome. The Ashley DeRamus Foundation works to increase awareness of Down syndrome and enlighten others about the rewards and positive contributions those with Down syndrome make to society.
“This is a great partnership with Building a Difference and our foundation,” said Gary Kannegiesser, the Foundation’s Manager. “Ashley is touching lives with her ministry in individuals and family’s all across America. Now she has the opportunity to touch lives around the world Building a Difference will be there to help us share these experiences with families back here at home.”
Ashley traveled to Chennai, India, to receive an Advocate of the Year award for 2015 with her mother Connie, Gary Kannegiesser, her Foundation’s Manager. Also on the travel was Kim Whitlock, a Go To Nations missionary who lived in India for five years with her family working in schools and orphanages. Mick and Kim are also shooting footage for her India story as a Go To Nations missionary for the Building a Difference series. Ashley’s Foundation recently raised funds to build a second floor for one of the many schools that Kim ran and will be visiting those places to see the finished construction.
The travel team spent 3 weeks traveling to west, north, and south India visiting some of the poorest places in the world. The trip culminated in Chennai at the 2015 Down Syndrome International Congress where Ashley will receive an award for the advocacy work and personal achievements. Mick Richards captured the story of Ashley’s experiences and her participation with the Down Syndrome International Congress that will appear in a video to be produced later this year!
