ROCHESTER N.Y. — Emotions swept across the Blue Cross arena at a vigil Monday night. Parents of children with autism were hit hard by the loss of 14-year-old Trevyan Rowe.

During the vigil hundreds gathered around Trevyan’s mother, Carrie Houston—embracing her with open arms and hearts.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before in my life, I know it’s amazing," said parent Kimberly Thompson, who says when it comes down to protecting Rochester’s own; the community grows stronger and more resilient. “I do know that we all got to stick together and at the end of the day we love and we love.”

Some parents enlightened by the situation are prepared to be more vigilant of any child who seems lost and or afraid. Parent, Keywann McKennon, told the community that in order to to protect local youth, “make sure they get into the place that they need to be inside the school or inside the house — anywhere. If you see something is not right, try and stop it.”

Speaking during the vigil, Mayor Lovely Warren shared meaningful words to the community of Rochester, in hopes that the memory of Trevyan is not forsaken, but a symbol of the continued effort to bring the city closer. Houston, acknowledging all those involved in the search said, “I just want to thank every last one of you all tonight. You just don’t know, it so many of you all who came out for me and my babies.”

Many speakers joined in on stage, including AutismUp's Executive Director Sarah Milko and even Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo. Also in attendance was 16-year-old Tian-Xing Stephens, who started the GoFundMe page for the family. He talks of once attending school Number 12 with Trevyan, and for his younger brother to be in the same grade, it resonated with him.

“It’s honestly crazy and sort of overwhelming too — like the love the Rochester community shows on a constant base,” said Stephens.

The goal was to raise $10,000 dollars. That amount surpassed in less than 24-hours, reaching over $22,000.

The funds collected are to cover funeral costs and to provide additional support for Rowe’s family.

As the family continues to receive support, hundreds will remember Treyvan for linking a community together.