Preventing Teen Tragedy is now a 501 (c) (3) Nonprofit Public Charity organization!!

We filed for incorporation on May 3rd for PTT. (Preventing Teen Tragedy and for adults as well) The mission is to reduce trauma, stigma, and struggle to the individuals and families affected by mental illness and or epilepsy. We live in Northeastern, Connecticut. We know people all over the United States and a few other countries. Sam was known as well. Anna is also very well known. Both of these very common conditions affect both the individual and their families. This is why we are trying to work for both conditions. It is our desire to assist with information, support, and teaching advocacy in obtaining appropriate care. We hope to work at raising awareness and reducing the stigma and discrimination for both conditions. Bullying is common with both epilepsy and mental illness and this must be halted. Education and understanding can reduce this misunderstanding of two dreadful chronic and severe medical conditions. WHY mistreat people just because they have medical conditions that you do not understand? The name of our organization comes from our son Sam's t-shirt company. He was 16 years old and the one year anniversary of this first two suicide attempt came. He was celebrating life and wanted to raise awareness of suicide, depression, and reduce risk of teen death and young adult suicide. He was a passionate advocate!! He only had this business, selling T's, hoodies, bookmarks, and anti Abortion t's for about a year before worsening depression crashed in upon him and signs of schizophrenia began. We tried to encourage his artwork to continue and we would do the rest. He just felt unable to continue this work. We are now taking up his work where he could no longer bring his designs to the public. We want to try to reduce suicides, teach about the dangers of depression, and that treatment can work. Sam reached out to a young man just before he died telling him to obtain help for his depression, Sam was just never good about telling others how much pain he was in.....He stayed on treatment, but did not receive a must needed medication adjustment just before his last and fatal suicide attempt, He needed to speak up and tell someone about the voices telling him to kill himself and how much he was hurting. Suicide shatters the people who are left behind. IF YOU ARE SUICIDAL< CALL THE SUICIDE HOT LINE AT 1 800 781 2433 or 1 800 273 8255 In Connecticut you can call 211 for a mobile unit to come to the home to come and assess the person (or you). We will do our best to help with information and support. We are NOT a medical center, however. We are parents who have been through over 13 years of experience taking care of our son. I have epilepsy as well as a severe migraine and arthritis problem. I am a researcher, reader, and will do my best to help. I will tell try to link you up to someplace that can help. We have educational programs for schools, civic groups, individuals, ambulance and first responders, police, any group that is interested.