A Tucson woman who lost her teenage son to suicide two years ago is organizing a series of tea parties to raise awareness and funding to fight teen suicide. Charlene Westgate will host her own “Tea For Teens” party on Tuesday, July 15, and is hoping to see as many as 30 similar parties held for the same cause.

“I created Tea For Teens out of my commitment that teens experiencing depression get diagnosed and treated, so all teens have the possibility of loving life and no parent has to know the terrible pain of losing a child to this disease.”, Westgate says.

Westgate says her 19-year old son Joseph’s depression was never accurately diagnosed and that several warning signs were missed. All money raised by the tea parties will be used to make guides available in schools to help students, teachers and parents recognize the warning signs, understand the illness and get proper treatment.

Westgate’s goal is to raise at least $5,000 for Families for Depression Awareness, a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping families recognize and cope with depression. Now through August 15, those interested in hosting or attending a Tea For Teens party can contact Charlene at 520-398-9893. More information about Families For Depression Awareness is available by clicking here.