The meaning behind “Ashton Sent Us”
“Ashton Sent Us” is the mantra of those of us who were fortunate enough to have
known Ashton Hope Keegan and now for those who have learned about her since
we lost her.
We lost Ashton in an auto accident on August 21, 2016, at the age of 23. She was
a UGA graduate. And had just started an accelerated Master’s/PhD program at
UGA in Interracial Communication and Social Justice. More importantly, though,
Ashton was a force for good in our community. We needed to carry on her legacy
by doing good for others thus keeping Ashton’s passions alive.
Ashton was passionate about helping others and lifting up the ones who seemed to
be silently left behind. She was a mentor and tutor for woman who had been left
behind economically. She taught “her ladies” math and English skills to prepare
them for their GED test. She also mentored them on how to dress professionally,
how to interview, how to look people in the eye with confidence, and all the other
skills needed to bring them out of the economic shadows with confidence. Ashton
did all this while wearing her signature stiletto’s. Her happiest day was the day the
first of “her ladies” passed the GED and was able to qualify for a better job.
Because of her love for animals, she also started the animal foster programs at the
animal shelters both in Colorado Springs and most recently, Oconee County
Animal Shelter in 2014. Her legacy is literally saving the lives of hundreds of
dogs and cats that may not have had a chance for life and were placed in loving
homes, where they got a second chance at life.
With Ashton’s passing, our community lost a passionate leader; “Ashton Sent Us”
represents our commitment to make Ashton’s passion, our passion. We will
continue to live the life Ashton would have lived and go forward in her name to
embrace her causes. And when people ask why a good deed is done and why we
do what we do, the answer will be “because Ashton Sent Us.”
Thank you for your support,
Ashton’s Mom and Dad