A local couple is working to turn a tragedy into an awareness after their teenage son passed away from a pulmonary embolism in his lung.

Paul Englert Jr. passed away on September 19, 2013, and his parents have made it their mission to help raise awareness and money for blood clot prevention.

Paul and Denise Englert say that their son was a very healthy young man, a lifelong athlete and a student at U.B. when a pulmonary embolism took his life, without any signs and minor symptoms.

Paul Jr.'s symptoms originally lead to an asthma diagnosis because of a shortness of breath, but his mother said that she does not blame the doctors for misdiagnosing him. Since Paul Jr. lived a healthy, active life and didn't show any risk factors, it never occurred to doctors that it could be a life-threatening blood clot.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This weekend, a fundraiser will be held to raise more awareness and help prevent future deaths from a pulmonary embolism.

The Forever Young Fundraiser for the National Blood Clot Alliance will take place on Sunday, March 6th from 1:00-5:00P.M. at the Clarence Fire Hall - 10355 Main Street, Clarence NY.

*Adult tickets can be purchased for $20, and includes food and beverages.

*Children 12 and under are free.

The benefit will feature a Chinese auction, premier raffle items, and a 50/50 raffle. There will also be children's baskets and free face painting.

You can contact Denise Englert at 716-949-1006 OR foreveryoung030616@gmail.com for tickets and/or more information about the Forever Young Fundraiser in memory of Paul Englert Jr.

Check out Denise and Paul Englert's recent interview to learn more about their heartfelt desire to make more people aware of the signs and symptoms that can help prevent another death due to a pulmonary embolism.

More From The New 96.1 WTSS