Buffalo, N.Y. (WKBW) - More than 10,000 Western New York school students headed to the ballpark, but got more than a Bisons baseball game.
"We're here to get Jamey's message out about equality, and how everyone should be treated equally and with respect," mom Tracy Rodemeyer said.
Jamey Rodemeyer, 14, took his own life last year after his family said he was bullied to death. They spoke out about that message at the game Thursday.
"These kids got to realize that if they are being bullied, they have to take a stand, and if they are bullying that it really will impact somebody else," Tracy Rodemeyer said.
Jamey's father Tim said it is all about the young people coming together.
"What we believe is that it is all about the youth, and bullying is going to end when the youth decide it's going to end. It's all about youth empowerment," Tim Rodemeyer said.
The family said they want to help the people like Jamey who may feel alone, or that there is no way out of a bullying situation. Since Jamey's death, his sister Alyssa said she has seen a change.
"I know there are tons of kids who are reaching out to us. There are kids who make wrists bands, t-shirts about this. There are tons of kids trying to make a difference, and we work with them as much as we can," Alyssa Rodemeyer said.
So, a day at the ballpark for these school kids turned into an important lesson in life, and the Rodemeyers said they will continue to spread the word.
"He fulfilled his mission here, and we're going to continue it here. He gave his life to get the word out there that it doesn't have to end this way for kids. Every kid is special, and they don't realize how much they are loved, needed and wanted," Tracy Rodemeyer said.
