A family tragedy inspired John and Susie Trautwein to make sure that no family would ever face the sadness theirs did in October 2010. Will, the couple’s eldest son, had committed suicide. “We were totally caught off guard because we had no idea he was struggling,” said John. “Will was a popular kid and really loved by everyone in this community, but we never knew he was hurting so much.”
The Trautweins launched Will-To-Live Foundation to prevent teen suicide and motivate teenagers with a “will to live.” The youth-driven foundation held its second Where There Is A Will, There Is A Way 5K on Feb. 11 in John’s Creek. The race was organized by Hayden Cox and Brett Tighe from Northview High School.
“The foundation is about the youth being there for the youth,” said Cox, who is a sophomore. “I want my peers to understand that the mere act of talking to someone can help heal so many different problems.”
Will-To-Live Foundation puts the focus on having “life mates" to encourage friendships and open communication with each other.
“We spend our lives on teams whether it’s in sports, the classroom, or work,” John said. “We want our youth to learn to be there for each other, communicate with each other, and realize that they are all going through something… if not the same thing.”
With over 1,100 participants, the 5K raised over $35,000.
The money raised will support nonprofit organizations that specialize in suicide awareness, prevention, counseling, education and training, as well as support for families of suicide victims. Additionally, Will-to-Live Foundation has teamed up with Fulton County Schools and Screening for Mental Health. The 2012 initiative will train the Fulton County Schools’ child counseling professionals and general faculty through suicide watch training.
Cox added, "Its important to just let each other know that ‘I am here for you'. That's not just the foundation's message, but a universal one."
To volunteer with Will-To-Live Foundation, visit www.will-to-live.org.
In Other News: SIGVARIS North America, in Peachtree City, collected over 7,000 food items for the Boy Scouts' "Scouting for Food" initiative. The food items will be donated to Real Life Center, a local organization committed to helping families get back on their feet financially, emotionally or spiritually during tough times.
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