A new foundation aims to honor the memory of Gabby Petito by helping families find missing persons and also by assisting survivors of domestic violence.

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Gabby Petito’s family started The Gabby Petito Foundation, saying they “wish to turn their personal tragedy into positive change by supporting those on the front lines doing critical and lifesaving work.”

Gabby Petito was reported missing in September after her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, returned home to Florida alone from a cross-country trip the couple had been on together. Her body was later found in Wyoming, and investigators say she was strangled to death, as we previously reported. Laundrie was named a person of interest, and his body was later found in a nature reserve after he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

By creating the foundation, Petito’s parents said they’re hoping to make a difference. Petito’s mother, Nicole Schmidt, told WTSP: “We want to honor Gabby’s memory and life by ensuring that no one ever has to experience what she did. We want survivors to know that they aren’t alone and that there are amazing organizations ready to help.”

In a press release, the Gabby Petito Foundation said it was already starting its work, making donations to The National Domestic Violence Hotline, SafeSpace and The AWARE foundation. “These three organizations are doing incredible work on the front lines of missing persons and responding to those impacted by abuse,” said Joe Petito, Gabby’s father.

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