One Less Worry for Pulse Victims

We hear about so many negative and sad LGBT stories, it’s always wonderful when we can spread some good news. Here’s a story that is sure to put a smile on your face.

The hospitals that treated the Pulse shooting victims, Orlando Health and Florida Hospital, will not bill the victims or their families. The hospitals will be writing off approximately $5.5 million in services.

Orlando Health’s main hospital, Orlando Regional Medical Center, treated the majority of the victims. Nine patients died after arriving. Orlando Health will bill insurance companies for those who had coverage, but the remaining balance will be written off by the hospital.

Florida Hospital, which treated a dozen of the victims, said they would not even bill insurance companies, nor will they bill for follow-up surgeries the survivors may need.

“During this very trying time, many organizations, individuals and charities have reached out to Orlando Health to show their support. This is simply our way of paying that kindness forward.” said Orlando Health President and CEO David Strong.

Daryl Tol, Florida Hospital’s President and CEO said, “We hope this gesture can add to the heart and goodwill that defines Orlando.”

And, smile.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Survivor Dances

Angel Colon is a Pulse victim survivor and a lover of Zumba.

The Zumba Instructor Network, who held their convention in Orlando recently, honored Angel for his bravery and determination. Angel was shot six times during the massacre at Pulse.

Just over a month later, he was able to use a walker to go on stage and speak to the convention. “This past month has been the worst month of my life, but going through this there’s been nothing but love and support from everyone,” he told the crowd.

The Zumba Instructor Network announced the start of the “Zumba Fitness Angel Institution”, which is a scholarship to be used to send one instructor who demonstrates love and diversity to the annual convention. The Zumba Instructor Network also announced that they would be paying for all of Angel’s physical therapy and his rent for a year.

Angel danced to the song “Love Make the World Go Round,” a song released by Jennifer Lopez and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the Broadway sensation “Hamilton.”  The song was created for the Orlando victims families and to address the needs of the mentally ill.  Lopez stated “The world really needs the message of love being the answer.  That’s what really matters; that’s what really makes the world go ’round, nothing else.  Hate, anger, it’s not gonna get us anywhere.”

Before Angel went on stage he received a message from JLo herself: “Stand tall, Angel and dance, dance as the world is watching.”

Check out Angel’s triumphant return here.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Rainbow Patrol

Rainbow Patrol

On July 8, students and staff gathered at the University of Central Florida as the campus’ police department displayed their mark of respect to the victims of the Pulse shooting. “This is our commitment to diversity and to the community that we support and we’re not the least bit afraid to show that support.” UCF Police Chief Richard Beary said.

The new police car is being called the Pride Car with ‘Police’ in rainbow colors and the hashtag #OrlandoStrong. “To me, it’s just another effort that we’re out here for everybody, not just one particular group of people.” said Peter Osterrieder, the UCF police officer who is driving the vehicle.

On July 13, the Orlando Police Department unveiled their memorial police cruiser on Twitter. The hood of the vehicle lists the names of all 49 victims from the Pulse nightclub attack. Orlando Police Department spokesperson, Michelle Guido, states “It’s Vehicle No. 49, a tribute to our community, forever changed by the Pulse tragedy.” The department anticipates the car will be ready for the road next week.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,