'Mallory's Army' Fights Back Against Bullying After 12-Year-Old's Sudden Death

ROCKAWAY, NJ — Following her daughter's sudden death last month, Dianne Grossman has started Mallory's Army, a group dedicated to fighting back against bullying.

Mallory Grossman was just 12-year-old when she died suddenly in June. Her mother had reportedly met with school officials the morning of her death to discuss bullying concerns.

Now, Dianne Grossman wants to hear from others in the Rockaway school district who have "experienced their own issues with bullying," she wrote on a Facebook page dedicated to Mallory.

"So many of you have reached out with your own story, and I want to hear you... I need to do this in small doses!" Grossman wrote. Anyone who would like to share their story should email Dianne@thecarpetgirl.com.

• Read more: Mother Of Rockaway 12-Year-Old Who Died Complained To School About Bullying

Support services have been available during summer break at Copeland Middle School, where Mallory was a student. You can read more about these services on the school's website.

Rockaway Township superintendent Greg McGann has not returned Patch's multiple requests for comment.

A spokesperson for the Prosecutor's Office confirmed an investigation into her death, but declined to elaborate. McGann has called the investigated "standard protocol."

Update: The Grossman family has announced a lawsuit against the school district. Read Patch's latest reporting here.

In addition to sharing Mallory's story, Mallory's Army has been fundraising for anti-bullying efforts. Bright blue rubber bracelets for $3 each have already sold out, and a steak luncheon fundraiser is planned for next Monday in Chatham.

Over $75,000 was raised in a GoFundMe for the Grossmans to cover funeral expenses, far surpassing the $20,000 goal. Funds not used for the funeral are being used for Mallory's Army.

• Read More: Community Donates $64K To Family Of Rockaway Middle Schooler Who Died Last Week

"All of this generosity will help the Grossman family move a mountain for Mallory! And I KNOW they will do something with it that will help other families and children," the campaign organizer, Katee Reddin Petro wrote in a fundraiser update.

The Facebook page has become a space for those who knew Mallory to remember her. She was a cheerleader, gymnast, and budding philanthropist, with a close group of friends.

"I watched her train many a night while watching my daughters 2 hour class at NS. Such strength and skill in such a beautiful little girl!" the mother of a fellow gymnast commented.

• Read more: Rockaway 6th Grader Who Passed Away Remembered As Charitable And Outdoorsy

"This is a beautiful picture of her. Mallory's light will continue to shine on your family and now on so many others who have been touched by her story. I pray for your family & friends daily," a community member commented.

"[Mallory] raised money often and would send every penny to her favorite charity, Camp Good Days. This camp provides summer camp experiences for children with cancer and children who have lost someone dear to them with cancer. Selfless. It was her giving spirit and love for all people and things that drove her to move mountains," an obituary said.

Mallory's story has not just stayed in New Jersey. Cheerleading squads across the country participated in a #BlueOutBullying day last month, where squads wore blue to practice in her memory.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741.

Image via GoFundMe