LEOMINSTER – A Leominster native who was among the dozens injured in the Orlando shooting moved out of an intensive care unit over the weekend and is recovering, according to his family.
Jeffrey Rodriguez, 37, formerly of Leominster, was shot three times at Pulse nightclub on June 12.
As he recovers at the Orlando Regional Medical Center, surrounded by family and close friends, those who grew up with him in Leominster have planned a “Leominster Strong” fundraiser at Carter Park. The event is from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday. Rain date is Saturday.
Mr. Rodriguez moved to Orlando from Leominster when he was about 20, his family said.
The morning of the shooting when the club was closing, Jeff texted his 29-year-old brother, Santos Rodriguez, to say that he was bleeding and that he believed he was going to die.
He was shot in the leg, chest and heart, family members said.
His family said he is recovering and has feeling in his leg that hospital staff feared would be paralyzed.
Local organizers of Friday’s fundraising event are asking attendees to wear bright colors to unite and “shine like a rainbow” from Carter Park. Local artists will perform and a DJ will play Latin and dance music. A candle-lighting is planned along with raffles. All money raised benefit Mr. Rodriguez and his family during his road to recovery.
Local artists from We Paint Social will also assist in creating a community mini mural to ship to Mr. Rodriguez.
Additionally, Leominster Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella is collecting as many cards and well wishes as possible by the end of day Tuesday to send to Mr. Rodriguez.
Mr. Rodriguez’s family has also created a GoFundMe page to help with medical and other expenses. They said they may buy him a dog keep him company during his recovery.
