History of The DB Foundation:
The DB Foundation is a not for profit educational foundation founded by Kate B. Leonardi in January of 2006 focusing on
education and awareness of risky teen behaviors. Kate was stunned to learn of one risky behavior she wasn't aware of, the
Choking Game, after her 11 year old son, Dylan, passed away in October 2005. In the few years since, The DB Foundation has
become a nationally recognized organization. We have been quoted in The New York Times (pg 1 Feb 2007) and The US
Centers for Disease Control (MMWR Feb 2008), and cited as a statistical source for Choking Game data on NBC's TODAY show
(April 24, 2009) to name a few. We have been used as a resource to tens of thousands of parents, school districts and medical
personnel seeking information, direction and Dangers of the Choking Game Presentations in their efforts to prevent a tragedy.
Our Philosophy:
The DB Foundation operates on a 'community based and community driven' philosophy. As a community, we each bring to the
table our own personal, often tragic, experience and knowledge. It is each one of these voices, coming together creating our
passion and united front as we gain ground on reaching other communities for the sake of education and preventative measures
against dangerous adolescent behaviors. Not a single voice is ever turned away from wishing to help join our forces.
The Mission of The DB Foundation:
Our mission is to establish and implement awareness and educational programs regarding dangerous adolescent behaviors to
parents, schools, law enforcement, Health Care Professionals and children for the purpose of injury prevention and risk
reduction. This will be achieved through changing legislation, providing seminars, school assemblies, community
presentations, a website presence, an availability to the media and a quarterly newsletter and providing, free of charge,
educational materials such as brochures to those seeking this information.
The DB Foundation is a not for profit educational foundation founded by Kate B. Leonardi in January of 2006 focusing on
education and awareness of risky teen behaviors. Kate was stunned to learn of one risky behavior she wasn't aware of, the
Choking Game, after her 11 year old son, Dylan, passed away in October 2005. In the few years since, The DB Foundation has
become a nationally recognized organization. We have been quoted in The New York Times (pg 1 Feb 2007) and The US
Centers for Disease Control (MMWR Feb 2008), and cited as a statistical source for Choking Game data on NBC's TODAY show
(April 24, 2009) to name a few. We have been used as a resource to tens of thousands of parents, school districts and medical
personnel seeking information, direction and Dangers of the Choking Game Presentations in their efforts to prevent a tragedy.
Our Philosophy:
The DB Foundation operates on a 'community based and community driven' philosophy. As a community, we each bring to the
table our own personal, often tragic, experience and knowledge. It is each one of these voices, coming together creating our
passion and united front as we gain ground on reaching other communities for the sake of education and preventative measures
against dangerous adolescent behaviors. Not a single voice is ever turned away from wishing to help join our forces.
The Mission of The DB Foundation:
Our mission is to establish and implement awareness and educational programs regarding dangerous adolescent behaviors to
parents, schools, law enforcement, Health Care Professionals and children for the purpose of injury prevention and risk
reduction. This will be achieved through changing legislation, providing seminars, school assemblies, community
presentations, a website presence, an availability to the media and a quarterly newsletter and providing, free of charge,
educational materials such as brochures to those seeking this information.
You are here: About The DB Foundation
| The DB Foundation LLC .A Non Profit Educational Foundation 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization Status Pending Note: Information on this website is not intended to take the place of medical advice. |
Kate B. Leonardi
Founding Director
Founding Director
| Kate has been with The DB Foundation since it's creation in 2006. She was the single parent of her only child, Dylan (11 yrs old) when he passed away and she first learned of The Choking Game. Kate's role with The DB Foundation has changed as the foundation has grown through the years. Currently, providing educational speaking engagements nationwide, the HotLine for media, newly bereaved parents and general inquiries. Kate also include contributes to research and Foundation development and maintenance of information on the website and member coordination. |
Trish Russell, MD
Physician Liaison
Physician Liaison
Trish (Patricia Russell) is a family practice physician in
Washington State. She learned of the choking game
when her son Colin died in September, 2005. She
coauthored the first CDC report on the choking game (
MMWR Feb 15, 2008) and has collaborated with other
practicing physicians, nurses and medical examiners in
the US and Canada on a number of projects aimed at
increasing awareness of pass out activities in the medical
and public health communities. An information letter
written by Dr Russell for physicians, school nurses and
other health care providers is available in the printable
materials section of the DB Foundation web site.
Washington State. She learned of the choking game
when her son Colin died in September, 2005. She
coauthored the first CDC report on the choking game (
MMWR Feb 15, 2008) and has collaborated with other
practicing physicians, nurses and medical examiners in
the US and Canada on a number of projects aimed at
increasing awareness of pass out activities in the medical
and public health communities. An information letter
written by Dr Russell for physicians, school nurses and
other health care providers is available in the printable
materials section of the DB Foundation web site.
| Phone: (904) 315-2222 |
Dale & Michele Galloway
Outreach / Legislation Coordinators
Outreach / Legislation Coordinators
Dale and Michele Galloway became a part of the DB
Foundation in 2007 after the loss of their son, Connor. As
career educators they realized that the lack of clear and
comprehensive education about the choking game played
a role in the loss of their child. Since Connor’s death they
have dedicated their time and efforts is issues involving
health education reform. They have been guest speakers
at schools and community organizations, advocates for
legislative changes in North Carolina and nationally, and
have provided a DVD in cooperation with Asheville City
Schools that addresses many examples of adolescent
risky behaviors and their relevance to health education
reform.
Foundation in 2007 after the loss of their son, Connor. As
career educators they realized that the lack of clear and
comprehensive education about the choking game played
a role in the loss of their child. Since Connor’s death they
have dedicated their time and efforts is issues involving
health education reform. They have been guest speakers
at schools and community organizations, advocates for
legislative changes in North Carolina and nationally, and
have provided a DVD in cooperation with Asheville City
Schools that addresses many examples of adolescent
risky behaviors and their relevance to health education
reform.
JOIN The DB Foundation Community
We welcome anyone who has a common
philosophy and goal of raising awareness
about the dangers of The Choking Game. Our
army of volunteers has reached millions people
directly with the message of the Dangers of The
Choking Game. Volunteers often begin by
raising awareness within their own community,
Some are front and center, in the spotlight and
others enjoy a more behind the scenes role. All
are important to reaching our goal of injury
prevention and risk reduction.
The DBF army of volunteers welcome additional
assistance in conducting research,
corresponding with families, maintaining data
and references and more! If you would like
more info on joining our army please email us!
We welcome anyone who has a common
philosophy and goal of raising awareness
about the dangers of The Choking Game. Our
army of volunteers has reached millions people
directly with the message of the Dangers of The
Choking Game. Volunteers often begin by
raising awareness within their own community,
Some are front and center, in the spotlight and
others enjoy a more behind the scenes role. All
are important to reaching our goal of injury
prevention and risk reduction.
The DBF army of volunteers welcome additional
assistance in conducting research,
corresponding with families, maintaining data
and references and more! If you would like
more info on joining our army please email us!
| Phone (828) 631-1315 |
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| The Dangerous Behaviors Foundation is a not for profit organization advocating awareness and education of dangerous adolescent behaviors. |
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