About
The Makayla Fund
Founded in loving memory of Makayla Guerriero — a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to teen suicide awareness, prevention, and supporting student-athletes across Massachusetts.
2012 — Always in Our Hearts
She Was Larger Than Life
Makayla was our daughter, and she was larger than life from the very beginning. She had this energy about her that people were drawn to. She had so many friends, and she loved being social. Her phone was always going, her social media was always active, and she was always making plans. She had a way of making people feel like they mattered.
At home, Makayla was part of a loud, loving family. Her sisters meant everything to her. She had a special bond with both of us in different ways.
Her Dad, Tim, had the privilege of being her basketball coach when she was younger — car rides, practices, lessons, watching her grow in confidence. Her Mom, Kellie, was her comfort and safe place. Makayla could talk to Kellie about anything. She was Mom's girl, and that bond was deep and unconditional.
Makayla loved sports. She was proud to be a member of the South Shore Basketball Travel League, Varsity Lacrosse at Abington High School, and she trained at South Shore Boxing. Sports gave her confidence, strength, and a sense of belonging.
"What we've learned is that mental health struggles don't always look the way people expect. You can have friends, family, sports, and love all around you — and still be hurting inside."
When Makayla was 15, she began to struggle with her mental health. We did everything we could as parents. We stood beside her every step of the way and loved her with everything we had.
Makayla was deeply loved. She still is.
After losing Makayla on November 15, 2012, we knew we had to do something to help other families and other kids. That's why The Makayla Fund was created — to honor her life and help other young people get the support they need. Her light is still here. 💜
A Natural Athlete
Makayla played Varsity Lacrosse at Abington High School, competed with the South Shore Basketball Travel League, and trained at South Shore Boxing. Being part of a team and her teammates mattered to her deeply.
A Beloved Daughter & Sister
Tim & Kellie Guerriero, along with her sisters Amanda and Heather, carry Makayla's memory forward every day. Though Tim and Kellie now reside in Arizona, the love of this community is felt more than ever.
Her Legacy Lives On
Through The Makayla Fund, students are getting mental health support, student-athletes are staying connected to their teams, and schools are having conversations that save lives. Makayla's light continues to make a difference.
What We Stand For
The mission of The Makayla Fund is to educate teens and parents, raise awareness, and prevent teen suicide through community outreach, educational programming, and by serving as a vital resource for those affected by suicide across Massachusetts.
Suicide Prevention Education
We fund the nationally recognized SOS Signs of Suicide program — proven to reduce suicide attempts — in middle and high schools across Massachusetts.
Reduce Stigma
We believe mental health conversations save lives. We work to break down the stigma around asking for help so that no teen ever feels alone in their struggle.
Student-Athlete Scholarships
Every teen deserves the chance to grow through sports. We provide scholarships covering athletic fees, equipment, and participation costs — regardless of financial situation.
Educator Training
We train teachers, counselors, nurses, and administrators to recognize warning signs and respond with care, compassion, and effectiveness.
Family Support
We equip parents with tools through webinars, a redesigned parent portal, and awareness resources — because families are the first line of support for struggling teens.
Our Impact by the Numbers
Looking Ahead
With your support, we're working to expand these life-saving programs to even more schools across Massachusetts — and beyond. Every donation helps us reach another student, train another educator, and support another teen in crisis.
We are now actively working to expand SOS programming statewide, bringing critical resources to school districts that have never had access. Recent expansions include Worcester, Easton, Foxborough, Fall River, and more than 25 additional school systems in 2025 alone.
"Together, we can create a future where no teen feels alone — and every student has the chance to thrive." — The Makayla Fund
🔒 Non-Discrimination Policy
The Makayla Fund is committed to fairness and equal opportunity for all students. We do not discriminate in our programs or scholarship awards based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or disability.
Our support is open to all junior high and high school students. We work to ensure every young person has the chance to participate in school athletics — regardless of their background or circumstances. That's the kind of inclusion and kindness Makayla believed in, just how she would have wanted it.
Ways You Can Help
The Makayla Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit · Tax ID: 46-2400995 · All donations are tax-deductible