A man holding a basketball in front of two other people.

OUR STORY

Ella Elizabeth Thomas died by suicide at the age of 24.

She was the brightest light in any room — bold, funny, charming, feisty, brilliant woman and beautiful. Deeply loved and sorely missed, Ella’s loss has led the Thomas family to create The Defensive Line to help build a world in which no young person of color dies by suicide.

A man and woman hugging in front of a crowd.

The difficult and painful parts of life that make us all human are ultimately what also connect us. We do not need to be mental health experts in order to be experts in our own stories and our mental health.

Telling our truth through shared experiences can help reduce stigma and create connections that save young lives.

A group of people standing next to each other near the ocean.
A woman and man in football uniforms at the game

Together we can protect each other and guard each other’s hearts. True strength lies in vulnerability and an open heart. Ella’s legacy is ordinary people reaching out in love and compassion. We invite you to join us.

A man and woman in football uniforms posing for a picture.
A young girl and boy playing with leaves on the ground.
Two women standing next to each other on a field.
Two boys sitting on a brick wall next to luggage.
A group of people sitting on top of a chair.
A group of people standing next to each other.
A man and woman holding two children while standing next to another person.
A man and woman hugging in front of a crowd.
Two young boys standing next to each other.
A man and woman sitting at a table with red cups.
A woman holding a dog in her arms.

Together We Can Prevent the Suicide Rate from Increasing

Ready to Join the D-Line?

We are Passionate about Saving Lives

Contact Us Today!