Community Helps Lorenzo Rodriguez on his Journey

The following press release was submitted by Susan Reitano Davey.

The Rodriguez family, of Avon, knows a thing or two about journeys. 

Parents Patty and Daniel emigrated to the United States from Peru, eventually settling in Avon; older son Fabrizio, 14, has traveled throughout the U.S. as a stand-out soccer player; and younger son Lorenzo, who turns 11 in June, has taken his family across two continents on a life-long journey of assessments, diagnoses and treatments.

Lorenzo, a handsome, engaging fourth-grader at Oak Hill School in New Hartford, suffers from respiratory, physical and digestive abnormalities that render him dependent on others for his every need.  Despite extensive attempts, his condition has never been accurately diagnosed. Because of defects to his musculoskeletal system, Lorenzo is confined to a wheelchair.  Although he has strong cognitive and receptive language skills, he cannot communicate verbally.  Yet this little boy with a big heart has taught his family more about life, love and humanity than they could have ever imagined.

Lorenzo is limited in many ways, but he enjoys independence via a motorized wheelchair, and he communicates with the assistance of an eye gaze computer. A determined and tenacious student, Lorenzo loves school.  “Science and Spanish are his favorite subjects and he excels in them.  In fact,” his mother Patty proudly recounts, “Lorenzo was awarded Student of the Year in 2010.”  This ‘student of the year’ has overcome many challenges – and now he faces some new ones.  Because of his growing size, Lorenzo can no longer travel in a regular vehicle, nor can he be easily transported upstairs in his home.  The solution is a handicapped-accessible vehicle and a first-floor bedroom with access ramps in his home.  At an estimated cost of $150,000.00, this is well beyond what the Rodgriguez family can afford.

Fortunately, financial help is on the way. “Patty and Daniel have worked tirelessly on Lorenzo’s behalf, seeking expert opinions and specialized treatments throughout North and South America,” says Jeff Soto, of the Connecticut Lions Club. “They are not people who ask for help, but they were at the end of their rope when we reached out to them.”

Mr. Soto directs the Diversity Lions Club of Hartford, founded last year.  Inspired by a national movement towards identifying and meeting unique community needs, he saw an opportunity to help two of the club’s struggling members, Daniel and Patty. 

After hearing their story, Jeff and his Lions team sprung into action. A benefit dinner-dance is planned for Saturday, May 25, at Casa Mia in East Hartford. Over half of the seats have been sold and $22,000.00 in cash donations has been received. In-kind labor and material pledges continue to come in, as well.

Closer to home, teacher and soccer coach, Patrick Mulligan, heard Lorenzo’s story and stepped in immediately.  

“Fabrizio (an AHS freshman and Lorenzo’s older brother) is one of our players. As soccer coaches, we tell the players that when you join our team you join our family, and as a family we need to take care of each other on the field and off. So, here we are just taking care of our family,” he said. 

Mulligan teaches technical education which includes lessons in design and construction. With help from his students, the soccer team, and donations from Sanford and Hawley Lumber in Unionville, he is planning to build a deck and ramp to the back of the Rodriguez home for Lorenzo. 

His assistant coach, AHS Latin Teacher Peter O’Sullivan, has also been inspired to help. O’Sullivan is co-advisor to Avon High School’s National Honor Society, a community service organization comprised of top students. They will be hosting a Community Fair on Thursday, May 31, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at . 

“We’re calling it the K.A.R.E. Fair (i.e. Kids in Avon Reaching Everyone) and we are hoping it will become an annual tradition of games, competitions and general good fun, all benefiting a local cause,” O’Sullivan said.  “This year, all proceeds will go to Lorenzo and his family."

Lorenzo Rodriguez’s condition has taken him on a journey seeking answers and treatment. He loves to travel, but his favorite place is home. Thanks to many generous people, touched by this big-hearted little boy, his home will better accommodate him and his future travels will be comfortable and safe.

To support Lorenzo's journey by making a donation, please mail a check written out to CT Lions Club Charities (with 'Lorenzo' in the memo line) to: Jeff Soto, 14 Santo Court, New Britain CT 06053.  To volunteer labor or materials to the construction project, please contact Patrick Mulligan at pmulligan@avon.k12.ct.us.  For other inquiries, please contact Susan Rietano Davey at srietano@aol.com.