“Getting to kids young and in elementary school might deter and fight some of the problems we are seeing when they get older,” Thompson said.
MORE ON BETHANY: Champaign County girl beat cancer, couldn’t overcome bullying
Bethany Thompson was a Triad Middle School student who beat brain cancer as a toddler but after what her parents described as constant harassment shot and killed herself in October. Bethany was the second 11-year-old to commit suicide in the district in the past five years. Kamden Ketchell was the first.
The two families have since teamed up to fight bullying in the local community and around the world.
A benefit by the Bethany Thompson Memorial and the Kamden J. Ketchell Foundation is set for Sunday at the Bellefontaine bowling ally. The event will start at 12:30 p.m. and will feature a raffle, door prizes and a balloon launch.
“We are joining forces and doing a fundraiser,” Paul Thompson said. “We are raising money to help raise awareness against bullying.”
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The event has room for more participants, but Thompson said that slots are filling up fast. If someone wants to participate, they are asked to pre-register by calling the bowling ally.
The money raised though the Bethany Thompson Memorial will also be spent on scholarships, Thompson said. He said he wants to give out scholarships to students who shared Bethany’s passion and values. That would include church, being active in the community and perhaps a desire to be a veterinarian.
NATIONAL IMPACT: Suicide of 11-year-old Champaign County girl has national impact
Continuing coverage
The Springfield News-Sun provided the best coverage of the Bethany Thompson tragedy. She was an 11-year-old girl who beat cancer, but lost her life to suicide after constant harassment at school.
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