Crime & Safety

Ray Rice Moved by Stories of Bullying

"You're not alone in this world," the Baltimore Ravens running back told victims of bullying at a Ray of Light event in Ellicott City.

Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice had his own problems as a kid, which might have made his words at an anti-bullying event especially poignant.

In the attendance was the family of Grace McComas, the on Easter after constant harassment in school and on social media.

Rice was at Saturday to speak at Ray of Light, an anti-bullying event organized by Howard County Councilman Calvin Ball after .

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"To think about somebody getting picked on and somebody losing their life–that really struck a nerve in my body, in my soul and eveything that I stand for," Rice told the crowd of more than 300 students, parents and Howard County Public School System faculty.

Rice mentioned his rough upbringing, being raised in a single-parent household in New Jersey, and how he overcame obstacles that could have prevented him from getting to the National Football League.

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"If you know my story, I've been through a lot of problems," Rice said. "But the number one thing I can tell you is you're not alone in this world."

First Lady of Maryland Katie O'Malley also made an appearance at the event, as well as Grace McComas' father, Dave, his daughter, Cara, and wife, Chris.

"[My daughters] lost a sister. Chris and I lost a daughter," he said.

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