We're Too Young To Die... Help Us!
"One question no one ever asked me, when it came to my friends and my peers... are you thinking about suicide?"
That's a quote from 24 year old Jordan Burnham who's shown in the video above, and I'm proud to say that I know him. While a senior in high school, he attempted to take his life by jumping from his ninth story apartment balcony. He’s not alone.
· About 4,600 youth ages 10 to 24 die by suicide each year
· Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for college students
· Untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide
After someone has died by suicide or attempted it, family members, friends, news anchors, bloggers and others (myself included) are generally left with one mind boggling question, “Why did he/she do it?”
Today, it’s even more baffling when we are following a person’s life events via social media and everything appears to be picture perfect. Some people will say "He didn't look sad" or "She just gave up" or they will even refer to the victims as weak or cowards, and make comments like “I don't feel sorry for him.”
In the last few weeks I've read too many stories and witnessed personally how tragic it is in the aftermath for the families and friends of those who have taken their own lives. Tweeting and Instagramming photos and sharing memories with hashtags...
#RIPYusuf #RIPMadison #RIPJustin #RIPBrendon #RIPLee #RIPTyler #RIPRebecca #RIPCarlos #RIPJadin
When life gets hard, my mom always says, "This too shall pass". That is the truth. It will pass. Things do get better. But not everyone get's the memo. People are making permanent solutions for temporary problems.
So, what can we do?? It’s time to start talking…
"We're Too Young To Die" Documentary Project
With your help, Jordan and about 20 other young people from various backgrounds will be featured in this new video project. They’ll be talking candidly about dealing with the pressures of life, bullying, suicide, pop culture, social media, friends, family and their decision making. A few may have experienced suicidal thoughts, some may be ‘most popular’, and the majority (if not all) use social media. 
(Temple University students on set shooting parts of the documentary project.)
Through this documentary project our mission is to:
· Help eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness
· Provide youth with the opportunity to discuss how their social lives, communities, pop culture and families influence their behaviors and attitudes
· Debunk myths associated with young adults suffering depression, bullying and/or having suicidal thoughts
· Encourage youth around the world to make positive and healthy choices
· Encourage youth to reach out to family and friends, seek medical treatment and counseling if necessary, pursue their dreams and choose to live!
There are TWO BIG ways you can help!
1. Spread the word...
· Tell everyone you know about the project
· AND tell us what you have to live for with the hashtags #iChoose2live and #TooYoungToDie.
Follow us on Facebook @ iChoose2live
Twiiter & Instagram @ iChoose2live1
2. Donate money...
Your donation will help bring this documentary project to light and life! Someone will be saved by participating in and watching the video...
The money you donate will help us pay for equipment, hire crew and space rental to shoot the film project.
When will the project be available to view?
We'll will begin shooting March 20th and plan to complete the project by May. We will keep everyone posted on how they can view the video as those details are confirmed!
We truly appreciate your support!! We're Too Young to Die.
Thank You to Our Recent Donors for Believing in Us!
Small But Mighty Arts grant - $500
Sandra Turner, Actor's Studio (proceeds from teen performance of 'Toward the Sun') - $510
SPECIAL THANK YOU:
Thank you Ed, Kara, Michele and Mike for helping create and edit the GoFundMe video! Thank you to the rest of the crew, Melissa, Jordan and all of the Temple student's participating in the video and pouring your hearts out about these tough topics. I can't wait to begin shooting more footage with more students!!
BONUS REWARD: First 15 people to donate $50 or more receives an official iChoose2live t-shirt like this...
Don't forget... spread the word to everyone you know!
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Here's the last documentary we shot. Through my organization iChoose2live, a media and performing arts based company, we currently screen the video at high schools and universities, and host workshops to discuss the topics presented. For more information on iChoose2live please visit www.iChoose2live.com!
