Deeply rooted in community, the Amina Grace Memorial Fund works to change the way the world sees people with differing abilities




The background: The moment Amina Grace was born and her parents, Maura Cullen and Munawar Ali, saw her beautiful face, they realized she had Down syndrome. They were unfamiliar with the road that lay ahead and vowed to give Amina the best life possible. 

Amina Grace is the middle child, born to Maura and Munawar in the winter of 2009. She has an older brother, Nabil, and a younger sister, Emma. When Amina entered the world, she was peaceful and smiling, and you could sense strength and joy in her. Nabil and Emma adored and loved Amina, and they spent much of their time playing together.

Amina Grace was a delightful child. She had the most beautiful brown eyes that just sparkled. She smiled easily and would laugh so hard her whole body would shake. Amina loved music and dancing, and she gave long, squeeze hugs that made you feel so connected. She loved swimming, learned to ride a bike and enjoyed gymnastics. She had the amazing ability to take whatever life threw at her and really make the best of it. Amina loved to be with family. She was genuinely happy, and she made others around her happy because she enjoyed even the smallest things in life.

Amina was her family’s rudder. She brought them together and set the pace of their family, which was peaceful, joyful and determined.

Amina was her family’s rudder. She brought them together and set the pace of their family, which was peaceful, joyful and determined. They lived more in the moment, saw differences as opportunities, and were committed to teaching acceptance and the value of those born with Down syndrome.

Their family’s life was wonderful — they spent lots of time together and had found a peaceful rhythm. Maura and Munawar loved being Amina’s parents. On September 17, 2014, Amina suddenly and tragically passed away at just 5 years old.

The focus of the foundation: In 2014, after Amina’s passing, Maura and Munawar were determined to honor her life and continue their vow to help those with Down syndrome. It was vital for them to create meaningful change in her name, so they created the Amina Grace Memorial Fund to honor her life and change the way the world sees people with differing abilities. The mission of the fund is to see the value in every person and realize that all people have amazing abilities, but sometimes they may need a little help to live up to their full potential. We currently fund and support five programs:

The Amina Grace Speech and Language Program at GiGi’s Playhouse provides youths, teens and adults with the opportunity to refine their speech and language skills as they work with a licensed speech-language pathologist. This program gives individuals with Down syndrome the tools to be heard, understood and confident in expressing who they are.

The Amina Grace Gardens at Misericordia offer far more than plants — they cultivate independence, connection and joy for adults with differing abilities. Through outdoor gardening and an indoor hydroponic system, residents learn how to plant, nurture, harvest and even enjoy the fruits of their labor, experiencing success from seed to table. Through this program, the residents gain confidence, strengthen cognitive and motor skills, and enjoy deeper connections with staff, families and the broader community.

The Amina Grace Speech and Language Program at GiGi’s Playhouse gives individuals with Down syndrome the tools to be heard, understood and confident in expressing who they are.

The NADS Congratulations Basket Program helps ensure that families are met with warmth, hope and celebration as they welcome their baby with Down syndrome into the world. Most importantly, it delivers a powerful message of love, inclusion and possibility, letting parents know that their child is valued, supported and surrounded by a community ready to walk beside them every step of the way.

By offering individuals with differing abilities real, paid employment in a welcoming and supportive environment, Gerry’s Café proves that inclusion works. The café brings neighbors together and shifts perceptions about ability.

Amina Grace Memorial Fund Scholarships are awarded to the students who demonstrate leadership and involvement in advocating for and championing inclusion, acceptance and awareness efforts for those with differing abilities.

“Losing Amina Grace took us to our knees, but we have never been more sure of anything,” Maura says of the foundation. “Amina was sent here to this Earth to work through us to inspire others. To change people. To open people’s hearts to endless possibilities.”

Community activity: Annually, we partner with Maine South Hawk Pals to represent the Down syndrome and differing abilities communities during Respect Week and participate in Misericordia’s candy days. Our executive director, Anne Marie Brown, has been involved with the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce for many years and supported community initiatives including Market After Dark, the spring Wine Walk and the Farmers Market.

We always look for opportunities to spread awareness around World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) or Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. We believe the future belongs to students who lead with heart. We celebrate high school juniors and seniors who don’t just talk about inclusion, but live it by championing awareness, friendship and opportunity for individuals with differing abilities.

The Amina Grace Memorial Fund again partnered with the Maine South Parents’ Scholarship Club to award five different $1,000 scholarships this year, celebrating high school students who stand up, speak out and show up for individuals with differing abilities.

We also again partnered with the Maine South Parents’ Scholarship Club to award five different $1,000 Amina Grace Memorial Fund scholarships this year. Our scholarships celebrate high school students who stand up, speak out and show up for individuals with differing abilities. These students are shaping a kinder future, where awareness becomes action. Interested students can apply each spring here.

Learn more: You can read more about the foundation at AminaGrace.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram.