I am asking you today to consider joining me in supporting an amazing organization that is saving the lives of valley teens every day, Teen Lifeline. I have been selected as the 2017 recipient of the Alfredo J. Molina Community Lifeline Award which will be presented to me at Teen Lifeline’s Connections of Hope: a Night to Celebrate Arizona’s Youth to be held on Friday, October 6th at the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at the Montelucia.  I am very proud to serve with my friends and co-chairs Mandy Purcell & Irene Clary to support an incredible cause.

I was shocked to learn that suicide is the second leading cause of death for Arizona teens.  Even more heartbreaking is that one child or teen will die by suicide every 5 days in our state.  As parents we believe that not one life should be lost because a child cannot see their purpose, does not know where to turn for help or know who will listen to their struggles. Teen Lifeline provides a connection to hope to children during their darkest hour!

Teen Lifeline has been working for 30+ years to do one thing, prevent teen suicide. Our children don’t have to face their everyday struggles alone. Teen Lifeline exists to provide a safe, confidential, and crucial crisis service where TEENS HELP TEENS make healthy decisions together. Teen Lifeline received over 19,000 hotline calls last year from teens that feel they have nowhere else to turn.

As a parent we know that connecting our children with resources for their health and well-being is critical. When they won’t turn to us, they deserve a safe place to connect to teens who can and will help. I am so impressed by the amazing work of these teens who volunteer on the hotline, and the passion of Teen Lifeline as an organization. They are committed to saving lives but they cannot do it without our help and support.

We hope you will join us and support the tremendous work of Teen Lifeline!

With Gratitude,

Erik Olsson