The Joseph and Terrence Tusan Foundation

About Us

The Joseph and Terrence Tusan Foundation

When adversity strikes, some people shut down while others put on a happy face to deal with despair. But what happens when calamity strikes twice with a one-two punch that could leave anyone down for the count? For Kevin and Donna Tusan a double dose of grief led them to reach out to help others and turn tragedy into triumph.
They founded The Joseph and Terrence Tusan Foundation, a non-profit organization to honor the memory of their late sons and give others the chance to achieve the goals their offspring would never realize. Joseph Tusan was a freshman at East Central University in Ada, OK., in 2004 when his life was cut short in an act of racial violence. A decade later, Terrence Tusan, a senior at Howard University in Washington, D.C., was killed in a senseless act of violence while home in the Dallas, TX., area during Christmas break.
Donna and Kevin, who brought their boys up in a Christian home with high morals and values along with a great work ethic, were stunned by the loss of their first son and then again by the death of their second a decade later.

The Founders

Kevin Tusan

Kevin said after the loss of their first son, “I told God that I wouldn’t ask ‘Why?’...but I’m only human.” However, instead of wallowing in his grief, Kevin found solace and direction in prayer and meditation, relying on faith to get him through. “I’m just a radio with a direct connection to God,” Kevin quipped. “I prayed that He would reveal what He would have me do!,” he said, taking on a more somber tone.
His prayers were answered. “From this tree, I cut a branch and many leaves will grow and sprout,” was the answer that Kevin said he received. In just a few months, he was off and running to establish a foundation to offer scholarships and mentoring for young people who dreamed of attending college.
This was in memory of his son, who like a tree cut down in its prime, would lead to the growth and development of others. While Donna felt it was too soon for such a venture, she eventually conceded because “every time he dreams up something, it comes to fruition. He has that kind of connection with the Lord"

Donna Tusan

Choking back emotion, Donna said, they “were both intelligent, giving young men who loved the Lord... and they were athletic with beautiful smiles” aside from being compassionate, funny, generous and family-oriented. “They were both stars!” gushed Kevin as he recalled their natural talent for football.
“I believe in the Lord,” Donna began, “but when all of this happened, I was angry.” She admitted, “My kids were good people. I just didn’t understand it.” Kevin pointed out, “People say ‘You’ll get over it.’ If you lose your right arm, will you get over it? And 10 years later you lose your left arm, will you get over it?” his voice cracking from the pain simmering just below the surface.
Donna pointed out, “My purpose has been to live for them with grief and happiness at the same time.” She added, both of the young Tusan men “were very conscientious about helping others and I know this is making my children smile.” Fighting back tears, she said, “When I get sad, I think of what they’ve done (to assist others) and it makes me proud to be their mother.”

The Joseph and Terrence Tusan Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization,

2415 Overbrook Drive - Arlington, TX 76014