"Invaluable:" Teens take a stand to help their peers battling depression
WAUKESHA -- It's probably not what parents think may be the biggest risk to their kids: suicide. However, the Centers For Disease Control says it's the third leading cause of death for kids 10-14 years old and the risk goes up as they get older. Students at Catholic Memorial High School are trying to help those struggling through music.
Isabel Pesci
High school can be a very stressful time and Catholic Memorial senior Isabel Pesci knows this first-hand as she's seen her friends and peers struggling.
"A lot of our mutual friends and people we knew we're going through a lot of depression and suicide and they turned to music to help them cope," said Pesci.
Recognizing this method of coping prompted Pesci along with her friends, Elizabeth Korb and Taylor Newcomer, to take action.
Isabel Pesci, Elizabeth Korb, Taylor Newcomer
Two years ago, they started the non-profit "Think Through Your Life."
Since then, they have raised $5,000 for the National Alliance of Mental Illness and hosted two concerts bringing awareness to teen depression and suicide.
"Think Through Your Life" raises $5,000 for the National Alliance of Mental Illness
"We would have the national touring bands and then we had speakers, we'd also have organizations come in and set up tables so you could get information, we had counselors there just in case someone needed to talk," said Pesci.
This incredible work by three teenage girls caught the attention of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, which honored Pesci and her friends with the Philanthropic Youth of Today Award.
"It's kind of crazy that we've been able to raise so much awareness and money and touch so many people at such a young age," said Pesci.
Inspiring their peers and teachers.
"To have her still walking these hallways and being that example to our students is just invaluable," said Catholic Memorial Spanish teacher Jennifer Denten who nominated the girls for the award.
Pesci and her friends are planning another concert for this summer.
For more information on "Think Through Your Life" CLICK HERE.