Family creates anti-bullying petition after son’s suicide

An Adams County family is fighting for change after losing their son to suicide.

Cody Garrett was a son, brother, father and friend to many in the Oxford community. Mom DeeAnn Roerock says he struggled with epilepsy and bipolar disorder, often getting teased for it.

“He couldn’t take anymore,” she said. “People talked about him all the time.”

Cody committed suicide on Mother’s Day.

His untimely death spurred family members into action – they created a petition asking lawmakers to enact legislation against bullying.

“I want this to be Cody’s Act,” Roerock says. “He’s not here anymore, so we have to speak for him.”

The family has gathered about 500 signatures so far, with the goal of reaching 1,000 by August. You can check out the petition here.