There is more to me. More than you see and more than you know. At some point, almost everyone has felt this way.
In the case of a person living with Down syndrome, judgements are often made about the individual even before they’re born, and they continue throughout their lives. It’s for this reason that the Waterloo Regional Down Syndrome Society (WRDSS) launched its annual photography series to show the world that there’s “More to Me.”
“For the fifth consecutive year, we are thrilled to partner with local photographer Hilary Gauld Camilleri, owner of One for the Wall,” explains Mary Casagrande, Co-Chair of the WRDSS Board. “We are very grateful that Hilary continues to share her photographic talent and creative vision with our organization. Her unique photos help change perceptions and promote inclusion for people with Down syndrome.”
Gauld Camilleri tells us that she donates her time to the project because of how her friend’s little boy changed her and opened her eyes in a way she could never have foreseen. Her photos have become a powerful personal journey of storytelling. And her ability to perfectly capture the personality of each unique individual is truly remarkable.
Photos from the series were posted each day leading up to the first week in November—Down’s syndrome awareness week in Canada. The entire collection will also be showcased in the 2020 WRDSS calendar. All 51 participants are WRDSS members, and ranging in age from 11 months to adults approaching their 30s. Proceeds from calendar sales will directly benefit these people and their families. Visit wrdss.ca for more information and to order your calendar.
