When you meet Danielle Muni, what shines through immediately is her strength, compassion, and determination. But behind that strength is heartbreak—the loss of her son, Joey, to suicide in 2024. Out of that unimaginable grief, Danielle has chosen to honor Joey’s life by raising awareness, educating others, and building the Joey Muni Foundation to help prevent other families from experiencing the same pain. 

 Joey Muni was just 19 years old when he died by suicide. A 2023 graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School, he was an athlete, a volunteer, and a young man whose smile could brighten any room. “He was very outgoing and friendly,” Danielle told me. “He had the best sense of humor. He could make you laugh even on your worst day.” 

 Out of unimaginable loss, Danielle and her family created the Joey Muni Foundation, dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. But Danielle was honest with me about how it began: “When everything first happened, my husband and I just kept sitting and talking, saying, What did we miss? What did we miss?” 

 That heartbreaking question is one many survivors of suicide loss ask themselves. For Danielle, it led her to education, advocacy, and eventually, to Compeer. “I don’t necessarily think I missed anything,” she reflected. “I wasn’t aware. I wasn’t aware of what to even look for. And because of that, it inspired me to help. So that maybe others can recognize the signs and not have to go through what we’re going through.” 

 One of her first steps in that journey was taking Compeer Buffalo’s Mental Health First Aid course, which gave her tools and knowledge she wishes she’d had sooner. Danielle now encourages other families, friends, and community members to do the same. “If you don’t know how to help, then maybe take an education class so that you can be more prepared,” she shared. Danielle is continuing to support Compeer in our education goals by becoming a trained facilitator in Mental Health First Aid.  

 Through the Joey Muni Foundation, Danielle and her family have already made a tremendous impact. They’ve hosted fundraisers to provide scholarships in Joey’s memory, supported his beloved Niagara Wheatfield hockey team, purchased jerseys for youth athletes, and donated to local organizations like SABAH. Their upcoming event on September 13th will benefit both the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Western New York chapter and Compeer Buffalo. 

 When I asked Danielle why supporting Compeer’s Friendship in Golf Tournament felt important, her answer was simple: “It’s another way we felt we were contributing to raising awareness and feeling like we’re making a difference or at least trying to make a difference.” 

At Compeer Buffalo, we believe in the power of connection and having just one friend can make all the difference. Danielle agrees with our mission. She sees friendship as an essential part of suicide prevention. “There’s always going to be that one person that somebody feels safe to talk to,” she said. “Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a coach. There is always that one person.” 

 Danielle’s advice for families and friends supporting a loved one struggling with their mental health is clear: be present. “Give them your undivided attention,” she said. “Don’t be distracted when you’re having conversations. Focus on them and their needs. Let them talk, and don’t be so quick to respond or judge.” 

 When I asked what she hopes Joey’s legacy will be, her answer was almost immediate. “That he had a fun-loving spirit. He loved to live life, and even though he was only with us for 19 short years, he made the best of them. It just goes to show you to live each day to the fullest.” 

Danielle and her family are still building the foundation’s work, but she encourages the community to stay connected through the Joey Muni Foundation’s social media for updates, fundraisers, and opportunities to get involved. 

 How to Support the Joey Muni Memorial Fund Foundation 
If you would like to support the Joey Muni Memorial Fund Foundation, you can: 

• Visit their Facebook page: Joey Muni Memorial Page 

• Send financial support by check to: 
  Joey Muni Memorial Fund 
  2639 Pinelake Drive 
  Niagara Falls, NY 14304 

 At Compeer, we are deeply grateful for Danielle’s courage, partnership, and unwavering commitment to breaking the stigma around mental health and suicide. Her story reminds us that even in grief, there can be purpose. That every act of friendship, education, and awareness can save lives. 

 If you are interested in becoming a Compeer partner, please reach out to Lisa Johnson at lisa@compeerbuffalo.org.  

 If you are interested in Mental Health First Aid, please contact education@compeerbuffalo.org.  

 More About the Joey Muni Foundation:  

The Joey Muni Memorial Fund Foundation is committed to honoring Joey Muni’s memory by raising awareness through public events and promoting “Just Talk” advocating for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. We strive to create a world where mental health challenges are met with compassion, understanding, and support.  We are dedicated to saving lives and providing hope to those in need, ensuring that no one faces their struggles alone and that no family has to endure the kind of tragedy ours has experienced.