Mom's painful story gives others hope

(WPRI) - Joanne Mazzotta opened up a restaurant about eight years ago on Smith Hill.

The restaurant, Danny's Place,  is in memory of her 32-year-old son Danny.

Mazzotta says her son took his own life and as painful as it is to talk about, 'Why Whisper?'

'Why Whisper' is the name of a book she wrote, compiled of years of journal entries.

The book tells the story of her journey from shocked mother, to cook and grief counselor.

Mazzotta says she hopes the book gives others hope and a hand to hold when they are in need.

She is donating 10 percent of the book's proceeds to a local foundation set up to help prevent suicide.