Peterson Family Funeral & Support Fund

Shaun Struik is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Nicole Peterson.

Donation protected

[Please note Go Fund Me TIP is optional and adjustable]

On Monday, the 4th of July, Emma Peterson’s family discovered that she had lost her battle with mental illness and had taken her own life. She was 16.

It seems incredible to us that this opening statement could possibly apply to our Emma. That her life has been cut off so suddenly and that a long future without Emma lies ahead of each of us.

Emma was incredibly loved by her family and friends, many of whom have fought alongside her, supporting her as she attempted to overcome her inner conflict. Her parents, Chris and Nicole, and her brother Sam are devastated.

After years of personal struggle with peer bullying, Emma first attempted suicide in a dramatic way in January of 2019, by jumping off a 25-metre cliff on the Northern Beaches.

Miraculously, Emma survived this attempt, and she began the very difficult road to recovery. Her physical injuries were extreme, but over time these began to heal. Her mental recovery, however, would be slower. In the years following this attempt, Emma would wage a constant war against negative thoughts and peer bullying. The cruelty that she faced only exacerbated her mental illness, making her feel unworthy and alone.

It wasn’t until two and a half years later that the family began to breathe again. Nicole and Chris began to feel hopeful that Emma would recover both physically and mentally and began to tentatively plan for the future. Emma’s faith in God played a significant part in her recovery.

As she recovered, Emma began to feel compelled to share her story. She hoped that it would help those with similar struggles, as well as educate people about the realities of mental health. Only two weeks ago, Emma spoke at a youth mental health event at Macquarie Bank, and those who heard her story were significantly impacted by her honesty, courage, authenticity and effervescent personality.

Emma was a luminescent, quirky girl. Tremendously loyal and loving; a talented singer and artist. Her loss is pain beyond comprehension. Her parents now face the trauma of planning a funeral for a daughter who should still be alive whilst trying to navigate a future without her.

Practically, we would love to help the family with expenses both for Emma’s funeral and for their impending house move. The last memory of Emma in their home is too traumatic and painful, and the family needs a fresh start.

We would like to bless the Peterson family; we are asking for any donations, big or small, and are very thankful for the community of people that are helping them through this devastating time.