Teen Suicide Awareness Spotlighted in Ongoing Fundraiser

MONTAUK, NY — Tyler Valcich was only 20 years old when he took his own life on May 26, 2014.

And in the months since, as his devastated parents mourned their son, who graduated from East Hampton High School in 2011 and was a volunteer firefighter with the Montauk Fire Department, they struggled to make sense of the unthinkable tragedy.

With an eye toward helping other families, Tyler's parents, Valinda and Mitchell, created The Tyler Project, to help create awareness and share information with children, families, adults and the community regarding mental health and also, to spread anti-cyber bullying warnings.

A GoFundMe, "The Tyler Project: Suicide Awareness for Our Children and Young Adults" was created in April, 2015, and in the months since, donations have kept pouring in, the most recent only a day ago. So far, the page has raised $5,070 of its $10,000 goal.

Since her son's death, Valinda Valcich said, "There has been an epidemic of suicidal thoughts and actions and depression in our schools, children and young adults."

Through The Tyler Project, Valcich said her goal is "to get everyone aware and involved."

One hundred percent of all donations are used to help provide speakers, doctors, mentors and educational programs to school, doctors, churches and the community.

"Please help raise awareness and help our children," she said.

To donate, click here.

Photos courtesy of GoFundMe.