"We begin to search for meaning and blame because we assume if we had answers or a reason, we will regain some feeling of control and again make sense of life after a seemingly senseless occurrence. We may search all of the available information to find something, anything that could have been done to prevent it. If only..."

Megan Ashley Perry

Megan was 25 years old when she was killed in a tragic auto incident in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. Megan was born on September 17, 1982 to Arthur Perry and Mary Ellen Mason. Megan was the third child (siblings Amanda, Sean and twin sister Elizabeth); Megan grew up in Wilmington, Delaware. She began her formal education at Corpus Christi Elementary School and was a 2002 alumnus of St. Elizabeth High School and a 2005 alumnus of the University of Delaware.

Megan was working as a Recruiting Specialist in the Human Resource Department at Christiana Care. In Megan's own words: "Though successful in past career endeavors, I have realized the aspects of my work I find most rewarding are when I am able to display my compassionate, enthusiastic and intelligent nature."

Megan shared her infectious laugh and beautiful smile with all she came in contact with. Never at a loss for words, Megan expressed herself with a clarity and eloquence far beyond her years; she always had time to chat (and usually did so at length). In her own words she wrote shortly before her death, "I have made a promise to myself to never allow fear or judgment to cripple me, but allow it to inspire me. I love myself and I love most that I am not afraid to make mistakes, I am not afraid of the invaluable lessons I learn from my mistakes and I am not afraid to be. I embrace the essence of who I am, constantly working on myself and striving to be proud and inspired."

Never content to stay in one place, Megan loved to travel. At 13 years old she traveled to Alaska for 4 weeks with a family friend, as a young adult she traveled to Italy to spend time with her older sister, Amanda and while a college student she participated in a study abroad program to New Zealand. Each trip was an adventure and in Megan's words, "the opportunity to be courageous and free."

Megan was a determined and tenacious young woman. Her passion for life was only exceeded by her love for her family and friends. Her words and her desire to be authentic are best remembered in her own words, "Treat others as I would like to be treated, be kind and generous with both your time and charity, strive to succeed and never give up, and perhaps the most important lesson of all – be the change you want to see in the world."

Megan's spirit is continued in the lives of her surviving family, by her friends and through the work of this Foundation.