BEND, Ore. (Oct. 16, 2026) — A Bend father who reportedly risked his life to stop a gunman during Thursday’s deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School is receiving community support as his family begins navigating the emotional aftermath of the tragedy.
Kaylub Giamanco, a longtime Bend resident and father of two daughters who attend the elementary school, is being recognized for his actions during the Oct. 15 shooting, which left the community grieving.
According to a fundraising campaign established on behalf of his family, Giamanco followed the gunman into the school and stopped him, putting his own life at risk to protect children and others inside the building.
The circumstances surrounding Giamanco’s intervention have not been independently verified.
Giamanco and his wife, Kelsey, have two daughters, ages 5 and 10, both of whom attend Silver Rail Elementary School.
According to the fundraiser’s organizer, Giamanco has lived in Bend since middle school, growing up in the community before eventually choosing to raise his own family there.
The organizer, who described Giamanco as a close friend, said his actions reflected his commitment to his family and community.
While Giamanco has been praised as a hero, the fundraiser emphasizes that his family now faces significant emotional and psychological challenges following the shooting.
“Being brave does not mean being unaffected. Being a hero does not mean you don’t need help,” the fundraiser states.
A fundraising campaign has been launched to help the Giamanco family manage expenses as they recover from the traumatic events.
Donations will help cover trauma-informed therapy and mental health services for Giamanco, his wife and their daughters. Funds may also be used for potential legal expenses, professional assistance, lost income while Giamanco takes time away from work, everyday living expenses and other needs that arise during the family’s recovery.
The campaign’s organizer said the goal is to provide financial stability so the family can focus on healing together.
Beyond the immediate needs of his family, Giamanco is also calling for meaningful changes to improve school safety and prevent similar tragedies.
“Good has to come from this. Things have to change. Our children deserve to be safe at school,” the fundraiser states, describing the message Giamanco wants the public to understand.
The campaign emphasizes that although Giamanco’s actions were courageous, no parent should have to confront such circumstances to protect children at school.
The fundraiser also acknowledges the broader impact of Thursday’s shooting, including the families mourning loved ones, those recovering from injuries and the students, educators and first responders affected by the violence.
Organizers are encouraging community members to contribute to the fundraiser or share it with others who may be able to provide assistance.
“Kaylub was there for our community in a moment of unimaginable fear,” the fundraiser concludes. “Now it’s our turn to be there for him.”
The fundraising effort is intended to help Giamanco, his wife and their two daughters access the support and resources they need in the weeks and months ahead.
You can click the following link to the GoFundMe fundraiser here: LINK
Medford Alert News is not affiliated with or connected to any funding campaigns mentioned in our reports. Any links provided are for informational purposes only. We advise readers to verify the legitimacy of any fundraising efforts before contributing.
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