Our Story

The Susan M. Huffman Foundation was created from personal loss, love, and a desire to support young adults navigating life after the death of a parent.

My mother passed away on June 23, 1996, shortly after I turned 18. She had been in the hospital for weeks and was unable to attend my high school graduation. Just a few weeks later, she was gone. She was only 49 years old. I was 18, my brother was 20, and my father had lost his wife of 22 years. That loss changed our family forever.

Losing a parent at such a pivotal age gave me a deep understanding of how much guidance, support, and reassurance young people still need during the transition into adulthood. At 18, the world may see you as grown, but the truth is, those years still require steady love and support.

As I enter this next chapter of the foundation in 2026, the mission feels even more personal. I am now the same age my mother was when she became sick, and my daughter is the same age I was when I lost my mom. That perspective has only deepened my commitment to honoring my mother’s legacy in a meaningful way.

This foundation exists to provide scholarships, encouragement, and support for young adults who have lost a parent during their teenage years. Our hope is to grow into a trusted resource that offers not only educational opportunity, but also stability, compassion, and a reminder that no one has to walk this journey alone.

-Laura S. Hayes,  Executive Director/Founder

The Susan M. Huffman Foundation