Recently there was a horrible injustice that took place due to bullying. A 15 year old autistic Bay Village student was asked by three of his classmates to perform the popular ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The student thought he would be performing the challenge like so many others only to have his trust violated by his fellow classmates when they decided to swap ice for bodily fluids and dump it all over the teenager. I can’t even imagine the hurt he must have felt after processing what had just happened.
I remember reading the article about this and seeing the video and feeling just entirely sick to my stomach. I couldn’t with all my being understand why anyone of any age would want to do this to someone, let alone a fellow student who happens to be special needs child. I can’t imagine the hurt and disbelief this poor teen felt not to mention embarrassment. The emotions his parents felt when they heard their child tell them what happen must have been incredibly hard to contain and being a parent myself, I wouldn’t even know what to do in that situation.
So many others were angered by the actions of these students and felt something needed to be done. Thankfully, something is being done. After hearing about the incident, GiveForward decided to create the fundraiser, #Love>Hate. Let’s rally for tolerance at Bay Village High School to help the family of the autistic child. If you aren’t familiar, GiveForward is the #1 fundraising site for helping those in need. The fundraiser is to help show him that there IS love in the world and to teach him that he is a hero for knowing that was wrong and being able to come out and talk about what happened.
The fundraiser lets those of us who aren’t near Bay Village High School to help make a difference and not be a bystander to bullying. So often we see or hear of an injustice and say, “Gosh, that’s too bad” but then nothing is done to try to right the wrong. GiveForward helps to give those who want to help a little push through the door.
My daughter started pre-school this year and it’s been an adjustment for the both of us. She LOVES school, and actually that may be an understatement but she enjoys ever minute of being in that classroom. I can’t imagine my daughter coming home and telling me that a classmate/s of her’s did or told her something so incredibly hurtful that it ruined her love for school. Thankfully we haven’t had an issue yet with bullying and hopefully we never do, however that’s not the case for so many children around the nation.
Don’t be a bystander, GiveForward and help show the world that love CAN conquer hate.
To donate, visit the GiveForward site for the #Love>Hate. Let’s rally for tolerance at Bay Village High School . If donating isn’t in the cards right now, a simple comment of encouragement on the site is just as good as money.
Shell Feis says
My son just started Kindergarten and I don’t think I could handle the heartbreak if someone treated him like that young man. I think it is great that people have banded together to help that boy see there is good in the world despite the hateful event he has experienced.
Miranda @ The Bright Side of Reality says
We’ve been dealing with one of my son’s “friends” picking on him. They were friends last school year but this kid has gradually grown meaner and meaner and I don’t understand why. Even going so far as to try and take his hearing aids because he thinks it’s hilarious. I don’t get it, his parents are so nice. I’m so done with this kid and the next time it happens I’m going straight to the principal. Kids can be so mean.
I love that they’re doing this fundraiser to help the autistic child and his family. I hope they can see through this that there are still good people in this world that choose to love and not hate. That was so heartbreaking to see what those kids did to that boy.
Wendy says
My daughter was bullied to the point of a suicide attempt, and my son was being bullied too- to the point I withdrew them both from school. Something has to be done- kids have to be taught that bullying is NOT acceptable.
Digna D. says
My son’s school has a no-bully policy. It is nice to say it but another to actually see it. He hasn’t been bullied probably because of his size. As one of the biggest boys in his school, not too many kids are in a hurry to pick on him. I remember growing up and seeing children picked on though. Back then this wasn’t an issue of importance. It is good to see it is now.
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
I was devastated for that kid and his family when I read the article. I am so glad the city is taking a stand and showing that it’s NOT ok.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I read about that and as parent of a child with special needs and a parent in general I was sickened. It’s a great campaign, hopefully some day we won’t live in a society where it’s so needed.
Sarah | Must Have Mom says
Bullying is definitely something I think about with two of my kiddos in school. Kids can be so mean and it’s important that as parents we are aware of what they might be going through.
Lisa says
I hate that bullying is happening everywhere. This sounds like a great cause.
Mellisa says
What a great cause. It’s so unfortunate how far bullies will take it these days.
Rachel says
Great cause! I hate bullies and how much hurt they cause.
Michelle says
My heart broke for that poor child, and his family. My son starts Kindergarten next yar and I am scared to death!
Nolie says
Great cause. Bullying needs to become non existant.
Mel Outnumbered says
People are so cruel! We need to put an end to bullying!
HilLesha says
That is incredibly sad! It’s hard to understand why and how people can be so cruel.
Melissa says
I just don’t understand the hatred that is out there in the world, especially by kids. It makes me so scared to send my son off to school each day.
Michelle says
I just don’t understand how some can be so cruel, no matter their age. I’m glad there are so many out there that want to prove there are good people out there, though.
Kerri says
Great program. When people work together, great things can happen. No one should ever be bullied.
Karen Coutu says
How horrible! I can’t imagine being in the shoes of any of the parents involved. Hopefully this campaign will share the message of tolerance all over the country.
Maria Iemma says
I am glad that so many are getting together to stop this violence. It is sad that some people are handling this terrible behavior
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
I love this. Hate is incredibly strong, but love is stronger!
AM says
love it!!
Lisa G says
I didn’t know about Giveforward, sounds like an awesome organization. My brother is autistic, it breaks my heart how people can be so cruel. I teach my children to love everyone as God does!!
Sandra Watts says
My 17 year old son is in the Autism Spectrum and has a slight speech impediment. People automatically assume he is of lower intelligence than they are. While he might be a little slower to react he is in no way unintelligent. He in fact has a beautiful mind. He is a wonderful child and a gift from God and I would in no way ever change him. Stop and take the time to know people, don’t judge them and stop being afraid of things you don’t understand. Ask questions. It’s the best way to learn.
Tamra Phelps says
It is hard to understand how anyone can ever think such hatefulness could be in any way amusing. Thank God most people are outraged by acts like that & the people in that community showed the 15 year old just that! Hopefully the kids who did this also got the message!
Dana Starr says
What a great blog entry!
Holly Thomas says
These types of stories break my heart,but it is close to impossible to break the pack mentality of teenagers.
sandra says
I too was appalled by their act of bullying. although I too may have been so stupid when I was their age.