With Emily Finn Foundation, family turns tragedy into purpose
The newly formed Emily Finn Foundation aims to raise awareness and address critical issues impacting youth, including mental health, gun safety and domestic violence.
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Family and friends of Emily Finn gathered Sunday to celebrate her life and carry forward her legacy of kindness, compassion and service to others.
Finn, an 18-year-old from West Sayville, was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend at his Nesconset home the day before Thanksgiving, according to police. Loved ones say she is now being remembered for the way she lived.
“I think it’s so important to spread her message of kindness, independence and patience,” said Emily’s friend Brynne Ballan. “That’s what she wanted to spread and that’s what she did spread to all of us.”
The newly formed Emily Finn Foundation aims to raise awareness and address critical issues impacting youth, including mental health, gun safety and domestic violence. Emily’s mother, Cliantha Finn, said the foundation reflects her daughter’s passion for helping others.
“We have a lot of work to do for our youth and the next generation,” Finn said. “Emily’s guiding us. She’s laying it out for us. She’s teaching. She wanted to be a teacher, and she’s teaching. We’re just going to be her voice and move forward with that.”
Sunday’s fundraiser was organized with the help of Emily’s close friend Maya Truglio.
“I think it’s important so she can live through us,” Truglio said. “Because that’s what she would’ve wanted, since she had such a beautiful soul.”
For Emily’s family, the goal is to transform their grief into purpose and ensure her message continues to reach others.
“Everyone’s going to keep her memory alive,” Cliantha Finn said. “Talk about her and honor her. Re-write all this and make it better.”
The money raised on Sunday will go toward starting the nonprofit and creating a website.
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