This is the tragic story of a little girl who felt incapable of dealing with the constant bullying to which she was exposed.

A few months after her 12th birthday, Rio began losing her hair and was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called Alopecia. As she began losing her hair, Rio started wearing wigs to school.

Some of the other students at Rio’s school started pulling the wig off of her head. When she decided to have her mother shave her head completely, the same students began calling her derogatory names. They hit her upside the head and struck her with their instrument cases while she was in band. Rio also suffered several other forms of verbal and physical abuse from the students..

Rio’s parents contacted the school, and were told the parents of these students would be contacted, and while some teachers did step in and try to stop the bullying, no definitive action was taken and the bullying continued.  Rio's parents requested a meeting with the school, during which the school said they would address the issue, but they did not hear back from the school or receive any follow up. 

Rio died by suicide on March 14, 2022, just a little over 3 months before she would have turned 13.

Rio was a very kind, smart, funny and compassionate girl who stood up for others who were bullied like herself.  She was all about anime, Minecraft and creative drawing/writing. She loved her friends, family, teachers and her youth group at church.  Her life has touched so many lives, and will touch many more through those that knew her and her story, and those who are committed to make a difference in the lives of other children and teens who are experiencing similar circumstances of bullying or abuse.