The EKD Foundation is committed to, above all else, adolescent mental health advocacy and suicide prevention. In pursuit of this commitment, we endeavor to facilitate partnerships between parents, schools, health organizations, and community leaders. We recognize this is achievable only through the ongoing dialogue between and education of these community members.

About Em

Emily was a creative, goofy, loving, and selfless teenager. She enjoyed reading, drawing, spending time with her friends, and being a big sister to Isabel and Isla Known as “Em” to her family and friends, she was involved in creating positive community change through her work as class president, a project 351 member, and “People to People” ambassador. Em was even the youngest member of the VFW Women’s Legion in Easthampton.

Despite these amazing qualities and ambitions, Em struggled with depression. She ended her own suffering on May 13, 2016 at the young age of 14.

Em’s suffering may have ended, but the sadness she felt has been transferred to her loved ones. It is abundantly clear that Em wasn’t alone in her struggles: depression, while common, is often masked by the taboo surrounding mental illness and suicide. Founded by Em’s dad, step-mom, family members, and friends, the Emily K. Dushane Memorial Foundation aims to transform loss into action. We will reach out, both directly and via community support, to those suffering from depression, and assist them in finding long-term help. We ultimately strive to help prevent similar unimaginable tragedies.