Run for Rocky shifts from running to education

Rocky Campana’s life started out well — loving family, good grades and a great circle of friends. Even Campana’s struggle to come out as gay to his family was met with supportive love.

It was while Campana was away at university that he experienced what the majority of youth go through when coming out: fear and rejection.  It was in Campana’s nature to reach out and help those who could not enjoy the support he had.

While Campana’s sensitivity to others was immense, he could not withstand the world in his personal life. Rocky Campana took his own life on Aug. 26, 2012 at the age of 23.

Since 2013, there has been a commemorative run in Rocky’s name.  Last year marked the last run. This year, organizers will concentrate on establishing a legacy fund that supports gay/straight alliances in local high schools and post-secondary schools in Windsor Essex County.

Becky Langlois, manager of marketing of community relations for Motor City Community Credit Union, said the Run for Rocky is very important and the credit union has always been supportive of the run.

“We want to be part of the legacy project because we want to help them continue in their pursuit in their educational efforts that help the youth in our community,” she said.

The month of April had been deemed as a remembrance of Rocky Campana’s life by the Windsor and Essex County.

Touching fundraising tributes in Campana’s name from has been launched.  The Beer Bus Tours, restaurant specials across the cities’ restaurants, Karma Projects and several social media campaigns stand in solidarity with the cause. Over 20 businesses including the city of Windsor, and Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital have all banded together to remember Rocky.

Bob Williams, executive director of Windsor Pride, said they side with the Campanas and are involved with youth suicide prevention and bullying awareness programs.

For more information go to runforrocky.com.