Our Team Mission 

Hi, I am Dana, Colby's mom. I am the founder of the Colby's Impact Foundation. My son passed away when he was 21, this has been a dream of mine to create a nonprofit organization to continue his legacy. My dream is finally coming true with the help of all my board members and my husband. I give thanks to them for continuing to help me pursue this. This has been a rough journey, but I have learned so much in the last 7 almost 8 years since my son has passed. During those years I have done a lot of volunteering for nonprofit organizations, I became a crisis counselor, I am an advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, I participate in multiple charity walks that are held in cities each year to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health. I spend a lot of my time helping out in my local communities paying it forward through local food banks, animal shelters, purchasing items for teachers at schools, I have assisted with many fundraisers through my church and served on a CACO team with one of my employers. My passion for this organization to continue what my son spent his life doing which was helping others in need. My son suffered a lot when he was on this earth, however, he rarely let anyone see this. He hid his pain by helping others that were worse than he was. He was always so giving, sticking up for others, making others laugh, putting a smile on a stranger’s face, always believing that there were others that needed help more than him so he gave whatever he could to help others. I am creating this foundation to continue on what Colby believed in, to help others as most people are fighting a battle, they won’t tell you about but you can always pay it forward to make someone smile or laugh. My sons favorite quote that he lived by is “Only the best, fight through the worst” and this is what I live by now. If we as individuals start committing to help each other out and paying it forward in our communities and stop turning our heads and judging we can start making a BIG IMPACT and start making a change in our world. This is what we need to start doing but it starts with us as individuals. Can you do this 3 times a day? Pay it forward? Teach your kids to pay it forward? Join me and my team and let’s make a change.

Hi! I’m Kristie Cole and I am Colby’s aunt. Colby was a tremendous joy in my life and I hope that this organization can spread his light and make a difference. Our family has been forever changed with the loss of Colby and the effects will last a lifetime. We will always continue to celebrate his life. I am a huge mental health advocate and hope that the lessons we learned with Colby’s passing can help others in need in our community. I worked as a Casualty Assistance Officer for a government contractor for many years and assisted families with all aspects of their loss. It was an honor to provide those duties and assist in their time of need. I enjoy providing acts of service and will gladly continue to do so in Colby’s honor. I live in Moyock, North Carolina with my husband Bill and our three children, six grandchildren and four dogs. In the world of today, everyone could use some kindness. I hope this foundation will be able to provide and advocate for more kindness to all. We all need to laugh and smile a little more in life. Spreading kindness and joy should be contagious. Shining light not only onto others but also in your own heart. Make the most out of every day and cherish the ones that you hold dear to your heart. You never know what tomorrow will bring. Love to your fullest and enjoy every moment.

Hi, I am 28 years old and a project manager (in training), a dog mom, and someone who leads with empathy and my heart in everything I do. Colby and I met when we were just kids, and from the beginning there was something about him that just felt like home. He was my best friend, my soulmate, and the person who showed me what real love and deep connection could look like. Being apart of his legacy nonprofit is something I carry with both honor and a whole lot of love. Mental health matters so much to me because I know how easy it is to look like you're okay on the outside while feeling lost or overwhelmed on the inside. I've lived through my own quiet battles--moments where it felt like the world kept moving while I was just trying to hold it together. I want to help create a space where people feel safe to be real, where they feel supported, and where they are reminded, they're never alone. Outside of this, I spend a lot of time reading, spending time with my rescue pup and family, and soaking in the little things that make life feel meaningful. I carry Colby's memory with me in everything I do. My hope for this foundation is to help people see that even in their darkest times, there is still light to be found and their are others that are willing to lend a hand. There's still love. There's still hope for better days ahead.

Hi! I am Shannon Fox and I am a seasoned Healthcare Administrator with over 25 years experience in management and sales. I bring a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry specializing in elder care, memory care, and hospice care. My passion and mission is to lead a highly skilled and dedicated team to provide exceptional care and dignity to the elderly community. I'm honored to have known Colby since he was a small child. His love for his family and friends had no limits. If Colby were here with us today, he would speak encouraging words and share his radiant smile. Being apart of this foundation allows me the opportunity to save lives as well as be there to support families and communities affected by all different situations. Paying it forward to those in need is close to my heart as it allows me the opportunity to provide joy to others. When we pay it forward, the door opens to allow continuous generosity to be spread around without limitations. I will leverage my unique skills and expertise to contribute to the organizations success, whether it's in areas like finance, marketing, technology, or other relevant fields.

Hi, I'm Brandy. I have been volunteering for a variety of charities for over 10+ years, including holding charity board positions. Also I have over 8 years of professional experience as a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer, assisting families and loved ones during the most difficult times. Serving as the primary point of contact for families. I have provided support and information while keeping everyone updated to ensure that the family’s needs are met. My experience is not only professional, but it is very personal to me. When I was faced with my own trauma, I had that special person that myself and her family could lean on for the support they needed to get through the devastating time. After my personal experience in needing support through my trauma, I was able to pay it forward by offering support for my family and friends during their difficult times. My objective is to offer the compassion and support that everyone deserves when dealing with any trauma they face.

Hi, I'm Kyleigh. Colby is my brother and was my best friend and my protector. We were extremely close. He passed away on July 2, 2017 when I was 15 years old. I never thought my whole world would change in one day.... Learning how to understand grief and what it meant for me took years for me to figure out. Also adjusting how to live without him at 15 years old was very strange and difficult and even to this day I still have trouble him not being here as he isn't here to celebrate my goals and dreams that I am accomplishing. I am currently pursing my dream and I am at Bon Secours College of Nursing to get my Bachelors Degree in Nursing. I currently have my Associates Degree that I received at College of the Albemarle. I have volunteered many times with the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention and I try to pay it forward as I like to put a smile on peoples' faces (especially kids), I enjoy doing the small things to make others happy as I believe the small things are what matter the most. Every little thing counts.