On October 15, 2026, our community experienced something no parent, child or family should ever have to endure. The unimaginable violence at Silver Rail Elementary School has forever changed lives and left our beloved community of Bend heartbroken.

In the midst of that tragedy, one father stepped forward.

His name is Kaylub Giamanco.

Kaylub is a husband, a father to two beautiful girls, ages 5 and 10, and someone I am incredibly fortunate to call a very dear friend.

He has called Bend home since middle school. He grew up here, built his life here and chose to raise his own family in the same community that raised him. Both of his daughters attend Silver Rail Elementary.

When the unthinkable happened at their school, Kaylub took action. He followed the gunman into the building and stopped him, putting his own life at risk in the process.

People are calling him a hero. And while his actions were extraordinarily brave, those of us who know Kaylub know that he would simply say he did what any loving father and community member would have done.

But what Kaylub did was anything but ordinary.

He acted out of love. Love for his daughters, love for the children inside that school and love for the community he has called home for most of his life.

And now, as the immediate danger has passed, Kaylub and his family are left to process something no family should ever have to experience.

Being brave does not mean being unaffected. Being a hero does not mean you don't need help.

Kaylub, his wife Kelsey and their two young daughters have an incredibly difficult road ahead of them. The emotional and psychological impact of this tragedy cannot be overstated, and they deserve the time, space and resources to begin healing together.

We are raising funds to help support their family with:

- Trauma-informed therapy and mental health care for Kaylub, Kelsey and both of their daughters

- Any legal expenses or professional support that may arise from the events of October 15

- Lost income and everyday living expenses while Kaylub takes time away from work to be with his family

- Any additional needs that arise as they navigate the days, weeks and months ahead

We want to give this family the freedom to focus on one another without the added weight of financial uncertainty.

But there is something else Kaylub wants people to understand.

**Good has to come from this. Things have to change. Our children deserve to be safe at school.**

No parent should have to wonder whether their child will come home at the end of the day. No child should have to experience this kind of fear. And no family should have to endure the unimaginable grief that our community is experiencing right now.

Kaylub's actions were courageous, but he should never have been placed in a situation where such courage was necessary.

He wants this tragedy to mean something. He wants it to lead to meaningful change, to conversations that matter and to a future where our children are safer.

As we support Kaylub and his family, we also hold close the families whose lives have been forever changed, especially those grieving loved ones and those facing the long road to recovery. Our hearts are with every child, educator, parent and family affected by this devastating tragedy.

Bend is more than the place we live. It is our home. It is our community. And right now, one of our own needs us.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and helping us surround this family with the love and support they deserve.

Kaylub was there for our community in a moment of unimaginable fear.

**Now it's our turn to be there for him.**

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting Kaylub, Kelsey and their girls.