Red Glasses Movement was started in honor of Audrey Louise who passed away at the young age of 5 in January 2018. Audrey was a remarkable little lady born with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect, but these were not the things that defined her. Audrey was defined by her Red Glasses, contagious smile, her curious mind, and giant, loving heart. If you knew Audrey, then you were most likely crushed by one of her giant hugs or watched her run with a purpose to find the next great adventure. Audrey came across many obstacles in life whether medically or cognitively. She overcame them all with hard work and a smile on her face and even more love to give and share.

We were devastated by her quick exit to heaven when she was taken over by a severe infection and we lost her so suddenly.  A few nights after Audrey passed away, a friend came to us with a crazy idea to bring 1000 Red Glasses to Audrey’s funeral. As our friends and family filed out of the church, nearly every pair of Red Glasses was put on. Our friend, Meredith climbed to the top of a ladder with a megaphone in hand and read the mission of the Red Glasses Movement.  On that day, we started the Red Glasses Movement in honor of Audrey and the way she lived her short but impactful life.

Our goal is everyone that receives a pair of Red Glasses will see the world through Audrey’s eyes and will: LIVE BOLDLY. LOVE BIG. PASS IT ALONG. Whether the glasses are worn or hung on a rear view mirror or sit on a shelf, we hope they inspire others to go for it, to overcome challenges. We hope the glasses remind us to reach out to a friend or a stranger, to make their day a little bit brighter. Audrey gave out hundreds, maybe thousands of high fives and hugs in her short life and we watched the ripple of friendships and goodness flow around us. We hope the Red Glasses Movement will continue that good feeling like a tidal wave across the world.

This story presented unique challenges. It is a legacy we are carry on with this nonprofit so it is important that her spirit is carried through. That it is able to be felt through the messaging and visions. It also needs to be clear on what the mission of the nonprofit is. The goal is to spread the impact she has left behind to inspire others to LIVE BOLDLY. LOVE BIG. PASS IT ALONG. With that we enter into schools, workplaces and other places of community. The messaging needed to resonate with all parties and her legacy needed to be felt.