In Jeffrey's Memory: Kindness, Joy & Prevention of Suicide

Jeffrey Lucas Gurmendi Marshall, our beloved son and brother, died suddenly and unexpectedly of suicide in August of 2024. In conjunction with Jeffrey's Celebration of Life on December 23, 2024, we are establishing this memorial fund to honor his memory, further the values he embodied and help prevent others from experiencing the tragedy of suicide.

The funds you contribute will go toward the formation of a nonprofit organization with the values of Joy, Kindness and Suicide Prevention. We will be evaluating a number of different program and scholarship ideas that align to these values, and define a focus for the fund in early 2025.

Regardless of which focus area(s) the foundation selects, the programs will emphasize the importance of mental health for youth, and how they can get help with mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression and suicidal feelings.

The foundation will maintain a guiding principle of allocating funds to the greatest extent possible directly to programs that benefit participants. If after 2 years (by January 1, 2027) the foundation has not yet established significant program traction, the foundation will donate remaining funds to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or a similar highly-rated charity focused on the prevention of suicide.

To honor Jeffrey and benefit young people through programs like those described above, we invite you to donate at one of 3 levels:

Level 1: Basic donation in any amount up to $500. We appreciate every dollar donated, and even small amounts really help us to know you honor Jeffrey's memory and care about the issues we will address.

Level 2: $500+. At this level, Jeff (Jeffrey's dad) will create a "1,000 Words" portrait of a loved one in your life, similar to the portrait of Jeffrey below. These portraits combine words with a photograph to create a unique image of a person. You provide the photograph and the words, and we will send you the artwork suitable for framing.

Level 3: $1,000+. At Level 3, Jeff will also create a "1,000 Words" portrait, interviewing you and other important people in your loved ones' life, and writing the content for the portrait, combining those words with a photo you provide.

Sample from a "1,000 Words" Portrait of Jeffrey:

Jeffrey's loss has devastated us and many others in his life. We have been overwhelmed not only by our grief and sadness, but also by the outpouring of support from friends like all of you. Though we have lost Jeffrey, our deep hope is that his loss, with your help, can ultimately benefit young people and others struggling with the challenges Jeffrey could not overcome.

With Deepest Gratitude,

Jeff, Jeanette and Olivia

Jeffrey's Family