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THE KELTY PATRICK DENNEHY FOUNDATION MISSION:
Prevention of depression related suicide in young people by taking a leadership role in education, effective treatments, and research. WHY WAS THE FOUNDATION STARTED?
- Teenage suicide in Canada is an epidemic that we need to take very seriously.
- Suicide is the second cause of death for teens in Canada, the third leading cause of death in the US.
- Teen/Youth suicides rates have tripled since 1970.
- Only 33-55% of teens were identified by their doctors as having a mental illness at the time of their death.
- Only 15% of suicide victims were in treatment at the time of their death.
 Unfortunately
there is a stigma associated with mental diseases. Mental disease is just as detrimental to a young person's life as cancer,
diabetes or any other disease that can take a life.
The Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation aims to help remove the stigma associated with mental health. Our young people
need to understand that when they need help, or one of their friends needs help, they should not be ashamed of these feelings.
The slogan, "It's better to lose a friendship than a friend" must be understood by all... as we need to help those that
are in need.
The disease, depression, can affect young and old, the poor and the rich, those who are surrounded by love and opportunities
and yes, those who do not have that advantage of living in an environment where they are supported, loved and have the opportunity
to succeed.
Kelty Patrick Dennehy was 17 years old when he took his own life. He lived in Whistler with family - mother Ginny, father
Kerry, sister Riley - and friends who adored him. He was a strong athlete who loved the game of golf, and was on the Notre
Dame Golf team. Kelty worked at the Chateau Whistler Golf course and was a member of Nicklaus North Golf Course. Kelty had
the world by the tail. He was an honour student with plans to graduate from Notre Dame. From there he had expectations to
go on to Bishops University for a degree in Business and then on to Law School. Unfortunately that did not happen for Kelty
as he was afflicted so quickly and suddenly by teenage depression. The doctors, his family and friends could not save him
- but now it is our mission to try to save others through this Foundation.
Ginny and Kerry Dennehy established the Foundation in 2001.
Donations are gratefully accepted. Tax receipts are issued. Cheques should be made out to "The Kelty Patrick Dennehy
Foundation"... make a SECURE on-line donation.
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