Ky Alicia Thomas Foundation "Keeping Away Trauma"

The Ky Alicia Thomas Foundation was established after my daughter, Ky Alicia, was tragically murdered on December 1, 2020, at the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The people involved in this horrific event were only charged with conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon, and no one has been found guilty of her murder as of now. I encourage you to read the media stories to learn more. 

The impact of this devastation on our family has been profound. Kamryn, Ky’s sister, was sitting right next to her when she was taken from us. Ky left behind her daughter, Kylee, and her son, King. Her father, Shamel, my parents, my siblings, their spouses and children, and our entire family have all been deeply affected. In the face of such loss, I needed a way to grieve, and I knew my family did too. Our faith has been a cornerstone of our strength, and I firmly believe in the importance of mental health services. However, I needed more than just therapy. I needed to find a way to survive this tragedy and connect with others who understood our pain. I wanted my family to have a source of support for their grief.

Ky lives on through us, and it’s important to keep her memory alive. Speak of her, say her name. I didn’t want others to be overlooked in their grief and loss. Through talking and remembering, we can support each other. The foundation was born from the desire to remember Ky and to bring people together, ensuring they have support for their trauma. Providing resources to facilitate healing is a key goal, along with offering community support for those affected by similar tragedies.

Some days, it’s hard to work, cook, eat, think, or even breathe. But we must keep going, making sure we don’t fall behind on bills or other responsibilities. If you’re struggling with the systemic disruptions of trauma, the information and resources from our foundation events might provide the support you need.

Our goal is to host inclusive events where people can find and offer support. Families and friends can come together to build new associations that may benefit their healing process, and those providing support can find fulfillment in helping others. We aim to assist families impacted by gun violence with mentoring and supportive services, and to promote healing within our communities.

Cortlyn Bridges  
Founder & Mother 🦋