Cheryl L. Duncan, BSN, RN, CVRN – Founder of the Ashley Jadine Foundation (AJF). AJF was started in loving memory of Cheryl’s daughter, Ashley Jadine Duncan, who died by suicide five years ago, at age 17. The Foundation’s mission is to increase community awareness about teen suicide prevention and help stop the stigma of mental health. The Centers for Disease control report that teen suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds, behind accidents and homicides. Also, among children aged 10 – 14, suicide is the 4th leading cause of death. These statistics drive AJF’s mission daily!
The Ashley Jadine Foundation Board consists of women and men who volunteer their services at health fairs, conferences, schools, and other community events to encourage mental health wellness and Hope Heals. In addition to this, AJF has hosted 4 of its own events including an art festival and health fair / walks. This year, we will host our very first gala in celebration of our 5th year and to continue growing a strong, collaborative village to expand the reach of our mission. The gala will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, with a theme of A Shining Star Gala – Let your Light Shine! Annually, we partner with Houston Baptist University’s Psychology Department for the Sharon Burrows Conference: Suicide Prevention and Awareness. AJF has been telling Ashley’s story and informing others to “Hold on There’s HOPE”. Duncan has spoken on suicide prevention across Texas and in Kentucky. She has participated in numerous health fairs, symposiums, workshops and conventions relating to this topic. The Foundation has worked closely with the National Alliance of Mental Illness and the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. The Sandy Hook Promise Foundation in Connecticut has shared Ashley’s story in a special documentary film, What They Left Behind, which may be viewed on Netflix and through a link on that site.
Professionally, Duncan has been a Registered Nurse for thirty-four years, specializing in cardiology, critical care, cardiac catherization and electrophysiology laboratory nursing. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, May, 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society – Theta Nu Chapter. Some of the honors she has received include: MEDVAMC Advanced Practitioner Poster Presentation, 1st place for “Time Is Muscle” 2007 and 2008, Department of Veteran Affairs Contribution Award, and Who’s Who Among Nursing Professionals. Cheryl stays busy with the following organizations: Greater Houston American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Fort Bend County Black Nursing Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated – Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter – in which she co-chairs the Health Committee, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church – First Aid Care Team and Financial Empowerment Ministry and Brentwood Baptist Church – Veterans Ministry.
Duncan grew up on Ashley House Farm O’Rear in Versailles, KY, where she helped her father with livestock and tobacco. During her secondary school years, she played basketball as a starting guard / forward at Woodford County Junior High and High Schools. She has one son, Anthony Thomas Duncan, who graduated from Morehouse College, May, 2013, with a Bachelor of Chemistry. Anthony works in New York City. Duncan is hardworking, loves helping others, and believes strongly in getting an education. Duncan loves the Lord who gives her strength, faith, and grace to press on and move forward through life. She believes that you should let your light shine out of darkness and pray the Serenity Prayer. Her message to parents and the community is to stay tuned to children and teens through social media. Social media is the major outlet for expression with today’s young people and one of the best ways to “hear” what young people are thinking. Duncan strives to Stop the Stigma, Shame, and Silence of suicide and mental illness and encourages teens and young adults to Talk More, Text Less!
Cheryl L. Duncan, BSN RN CVRN
Founder, Ashley Jadine Foundation
www.ashleyjadine.org
