HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-18-2026 Correspondence - R. Schiesser - Teenage Behavioral Health Awareness Rich Schiesser
1008 Hollyhock Drive
Henderson,NV 89011
714-357-2054 rich@rwsai.com
The Honorable Joey Morrison
Mayor, City of Bozeman
P. O. Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771
August 6,2026
Dear Mr. Morrison,
As a parent, I appreciate your efforts as Mayor of Bozeman in protecting its citizens, including
your city's youth.Among your many responsibilities is understanding the importance of teenage
mental and behavioral health awareness. This awareness affects me personally. Many years ago
my 18-year-old son Ben died under unusual circumstances due in part to behavioral health issues.
To help teens,parents, and others coping with mental health issues, I told Ben's story in a recently
published memoir,92 Hours.It contains many of the lessons learned during this tragic experience,
when his life ended in Montana. I would like to send you a signed copy. Would that be okay?
I believe Ben's memoir could help social workers, mental health care providers, and others whom
you know. So I'm offering complimentary copies of my book to those whom you believe could
benefit from it. Understanding a few key aspects of Ben's life may help you decide to do this.
Ben entered his adolescent years as an over-achiever.By the time he was 16,he was excelling both
academically and athletically. He won awards in public speaking and at science fails, captained
and quarterbacked his football teams, and was twice elected class president.
Then, starting his junior year, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. His popularity diminished,
his grades suffered, and he began making poor decisions including an attempt to end his life. He
was attending Butte High School, and his story is a cautionary tale for teenagers and parents alike.
Many consider teen suicide to be at crisis levels. September is designated as National Suicide
Prevention Month. September 101h is recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day. I am affiliated
with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the American Foundation for Suicide
Prevention (AFSP). I have a website for the book at www.92hours.com.
The memoir has been well-received.A mental health professional who reviewed my book wrote,
"92 Hours may save a life and heal a family." An award-winning author wrote, "Schiesser's
memoir about his teenage son gives the reader the gift of insight, empathy, relatability, and
comfort.Five stars are not enough!"In just a few months,it has received over 50 five-star reviews.
I respectfully ask you to help me promote this important topic. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Rich Schiesser