Metro Mom Brings Attention to Suicide, Prevention

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Hoping to bring more attention to the sudden spike in suicides, a metro mom hosted an event Sunday called "Pennies From Heaven." The fundraiser for Heartline, a non-profit group that answers a statewide suicide hotline, is also a way for Tracy Neely to remember her son, Andrew Neely.

Andrew committed suicide exactly two years ago Sunday. Tracy hopes others will see why it's more important than ever before to talk about the sometimes taboo topic of suicide.

"He was amazing. He was very gifted. He was gifted in three areas: math, science and English," Tracy said.

She found the 15-year-old in the family's garage with a belt around his neck. Andrew committed suicide and Tracy still doesn't know why.

"Yeah, he was being his normal self with the loud music and missing curfew a couple of times, but yeah, I really had no idea this was coming," Tracy said.

To help bring attention to suicides, Tracy now volunteers some of her time to Heartline.

Help prevent suicide and learn more about Andrew and Pennies from Heaven.

It's estimated nearly 5,200 American teens will commit suicide this year alone and calls for help. Heartline said a number of those calls are coming from people who've lost their jobs thanks to the economy.

"And a lot of people feel that they're family would be better off if they were dead," Heartline's Director of Development Tom Taylor said.

Tracy said the spike in suicides is driving her to speak up about her son and hopes other parents will listen.

"Listen to your children. Be understanding and compassionate and non-judgmental," Tracy said. "Two very powerful words are 'I understand,' and that opens a lot of doors for kids."

Learn more about Heartline, Oklahoma's suicide hotline.