Love Like Ky is a 501.c.3 non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and support for mental illness in mountain towns. Our goal is to provide resources and a playbook for success for communities to adopt to improve the mental well-being of mountain town residents. Join us in our mission and stay updated on our progress.
Kyler Efinger's life was a testament to resilience, love, and the enduring spirit of humanity. Battling bipolar disorder for over a decade, Kyler faced each challenge with unwavering courage. Tragically, his journey ended in a devastating accident at the SLC airport, a heartbreaking reminder of the complexities of mental illness. Kyler's memory lives on through the Love Like Ky Foundation, born from the depths of grief but fueled by a fervent desire to make a difference. He spent most of his life in mountain towns, and his legacy inspires us to shed light on mental illness in mountain communities. These communities are often struggling three times more than their state's average.
At Love Like Ky, we are driven by a singular mission: to shine a light on mental illness in mountain towns. Rooted in our deep connection to these communities, we strive to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and advocate for change. Through our efforts, we aim to ensure that no family suffers alone and no life is lost to the shadows of mental illness. Together, let us embrace Kyler's spirit and love like him, with kindness, empathy, and unwavering support.
Our foundation continues to focus on mental health research that will help guide us in our purpose to help the next family and save the next life. We have begun to form around three key areas:
Local - we have joined the Wood River Mental Well-Being Initiative and have been asked to lead the work group focused on Mobile Crisis Response. We have been researching best practices from model programs in the mountain west.
Regional - we have outlined 10 communities in the west to add to our Winter 2025 Mountain Town Tour. We are close to finalizing a partnership with an established mental health education program. Our target audiences will be Rotary clubs, businesses, ski teams and youth groups.
National - our family remains passionate to bring better mental health training to our airports. We aspire to have trained Clinicians in every large airport to help save lives.
Ky had an incredible capacity to give and receive love that was unaffected by his Bipolar Disorder. Here are a few of our favorite things we learned from him.
Love is unconditional and life is best lived in the present moment. Start today by telling someone you love them.
For every perfect “bluebird powder day” in the mountains, there has to be a preceding storm that brings the snow - and that is the balance of life.
There's no shame in seeking help; in fact, it's a courageous step towards reclaiming stability and wellbeing.
It's imperative that we collectively acknowledge that bullying is not okay and take proactive steps to prevent it.
We should never be too busy to connect with the people we love.
Mountain town folks have bad days too, and that's okay.
To avoid credit card processing fees and to ensure your entire gift will go to the Foundation, you may send a check in the mail:
Love Like Ky Foundation
220 East Ave., PO Box 14001 #240
Ketchum, ID 83340
