Rick Warren and Wife Kay Launched Petition About Mental Illness Post Son Matthew Warren Suicide Death

The tragic news about mega-church Pastor Rick Warren and Kay Warren's son Matthew Warren's suicide death on April 5th left the family in pain and sorrow. The couple recently announced that they along with their church have launched a petition to raise awareness on mental illness and help the people suffering from the illness.

In an official note, Warren wrote, "Join Kay and I, and the Saddleback Family, in our effort to urge educators, lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and church congregations to raise the awareness and lower the stigma of mental illness … and support the families that deal with mental illness on a daily basis"

“Matthew was just one of about 11.4 million American adults that suffered from severe mental illness in the past year,” the petition continued. “In fact, one in five Americans experiences some sort of mental illness.”

The late Warren was the youngest son of Rick and Kay Warren. He had suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts for many years.

Many have mourned the suicide death together. One particular note that expressed by many was that "no child should go before his parents."

Though Matthew Warren is no longer living, a mental health foundation named after him has been started by the family in memory of him.