Addi's Story

Addison Kelly was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression at age 15. These mental illnesses were directly caused by trauma she experienced between the ages of 8 to 10 years old when she was sexually abused. The pain she suffered took her on a difficult journey and she struggled with self-harm and other mental health disorders. She was then diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Even as she fought daily for her mental health, she maintained the most positive attitude and kept a smile on her face.

When Addi was in treatment, she spoke often about wanting to study to become a therapist and/or psychiatrist when she got older so she could help others who were experiencing similar challenges, especially in her beloved home, the Cayman Islands. She had researched colleges which offered programmes in these fields, and in her more hopeful moments was looking forward to making a difference in her world. However, on Tuesday, 8 February 2022, Addi succumbed to her illnesses, taking her life at just 16-years old.

The Addison Kelly Memorial Scholarship was created by the Kelly family to enable persons in Cayman who have a desire to help people struggling with mental illnesses do so. Addi had a team of incredible therapists and doctors who helped her through many challenging times, but there is an urgent need in Cayman for more trained specialists in this field.

Administered by the Alex Panton Foundation, all proceeds from the Addison Kelly Butterfly 5k go toward the fund. The first scholarship was awarded in 2023.

Since then, Addi’s family has seen the increased need in the community for more mental health education and awareness, and their desire and motivation to do more in the community in Addi’s name, has both deepened and strengthened.

Therefore, the decision was made to change the name of the fund to the Addison Kelly Mental Health Education Fund (AKMHEF) so that the initiative’s focus and reach in the community can be expanded beyond just scholarships.

Mental health first aid training is just one of the programmes that the fund will cover and the training sessions have already begun. By the end of 2024, 60 persons in the community are expected to be trained as mental health first aid responders.

Thank you for your support! View a short video below which shares more of Addi's story.