Sadly, it is too late to help my son – but I know there others that we can help….

To all who read this – please also join my son's facebook group – RIP Ben Schwartzman – and read about his life – his words, his music, his spirit.

On October 15, 2007 my son, Benjamin Aaron Schwartzman committed suicide.

He was only 19.

I am trying to give my son's death a greater meaning- a purpose.

Many other teens commit suicide - but there is something significant about Ben's life that could make his death the turning point in battling both mental illness & teen suicide.

Ben left a legacy of music that is so powerful, so emotional, so open & honest - that if his story & his music were shared with a larger audience - maybe, just maybe - we could begin to give a true meaning & purpose to his life - & maybe, just maybe save a few lives in the process.

Much like Ryan White helped save thousand's of lives by becoming the "Face of the fight against AIDS" - I believe Ben's story & his music are powerful enough that he too can save lives - and help relieve pain - by becoming the "Face of the fight against Teen Suicide & Combating Mental Illness"

The past few years - as he battled mental illness (He was diagnosed with Depression & Bi-Polar) - the only thing that sustained Ben was his incredible love for music.

He was seeking help - & over the past two years he met with therapists, counselors & psychiatrists. He also maintained a steady diet of meds.

But in the end, his internal demons were just too strong - and he elected to end his pain the only way he knew how - by taking his life.

His funeral was standing-room only - the entire community mourned the loss of Ben.

The words & music he left behind are an insight into what he was feeling - & exposed the pain he was going through. (The very same pain so many other teens are experiencing.)

To gain insight - please "google" his name - and then go to the NWI.com obituaries & you can read a few testimonials.

Also please go to Ben's own myspace account - so you can hear his music & begin to understand how powerful his lyrics were: http://www.myspace.com/aaron6588

Lastly - on facebook.com - go to the "RIP Ben Schwartzman" group - you can read hundreds of testimonials to my son.

My hope would be that we could produce a 2-CD set – one CD would be the music Ben left behind – and the other CD would be performed by current recording artists who have been personally affected by suicide, depression &/or mental illness – artists like Elton John, Michael Stipe & Dave Matthews come to mind..

I want the proceeds to help others who battle the same demons Ben fought so valiantly.

His music, combined with his story, could mark a significant milestone in raising awareness against this dreadful problem – and hopefully we can begin to reduce the number of teen suicides.

We need to put a face and a voice on this epidemic - Ben would be the logical choice.