WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Kevin Ford, 28, has always been on the move.

He graduated from Westerville North High School in 2011, where he was a part of the cross country team and has continued running competitively and recreationally. A graduate of Westerville City Schools, he was familiar with the Westerville Education Challenge (WEC) — a nonprofit that addresses peer pressure and bullying.

The nonprofit organizes an annual fundraiser to raise money and awareness around their cause. This year, they decided to focus on suicide.  

What You Need To Know

  • Kevin Ford graduated from Westerville North High School in 2011

  • The Westerville Education Challenge is a nonprofit organization that focuses on bullying and peer pressure

  • The 2021 WEC fundraiser focuses on suicide awareness

  • Ford ran from, 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16 to 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 17 to raise money for the WEC's fundraiser
  • Ford raised more than $9,000

The topic hit close to home for Ford. A teacher for students at risk of not graduating, he’s seen their struggles first hand. The pandemic has intensified many circumstances and struggles that students face. He said the students are always on his mind when he runs.

“They still have hope, they still endure, they still come to school (and) they do their best,” said Ford. "It's inspiring to see kids do their best under those circumstances."

Last year, the nonprofit asked Ford to run for their cause. While his students keep him going, it’s his father that keeps him going. Ford lost his dad to suicide and has struggled ever since.

“I lost someone and struggled with mental health myself,” said Ford. “I saw this as an opportunity to pay it forward to young people who are struggling with those same issues."

In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported suicide as the second leading cause of death among those 10 to 34. Hoping to bring awareness to the problem, Ford pledged to run for 24 hours straight, running for four miles and walking for half a mile. He started his quest Saturday at 9 a.m. and was cheered on by his family and the Westerville community. The community rallied behind him, keeping him company on and off the track. He crossed the finish line with his partner and his dog at 9 a.m. Sunday morning. 

Ford said he just hopes he made everyone proud.

“The support of the community that came out, all of that kept me going,” said Ford. “Just thinking about my dad and whether or not he would be proud of what I was able to accomplish today for our community."

The Westerville Education Challenge raised more than $9,000 to put toward suicide prevention programs. You can still donate by visiting their website. 

Related Stories