Chris is a 10-year-old boy who is currently paralyzed from the waist down after being hit by a stray bullet while attending a piano lesson on January 10th, 2008. Chris and his family face a difficult road ahead, and will need all the support and donations you can give. This blog is dedicated to keeping the public informed about how to help.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Welcome


The main reason for this is to let people know Chris is still in the ICU and getting stronger. We are grateful to everyone for all the good wishes and efforts.

  • The 5th grade at Crocker Highlands Elementary School is sponsoring a bake sale and donation drive on behalf of their classmate Christopher Rodriguez, on Wednesday, January 16th. More information is on the school website.
  • Harmony Road planned concert on 2/10 at Chapel of the Chimes on Piedmont Avenue.
  • Trust fund at Wells Fargo Bank, 151 40th street, Oakland in his name. acct # 7013202606
Please feel free to leave messages here. We'll be posting more information soon.

25 comments:

Unknown said...

Best of luck to Chris and his family! We are thinking healing thoughts for you in Mountain View.

Anonymous said...

Hello Christopher,
My little girls and I want to say hello and be strong! We passed you as you left your piano school last week, but didn't know of you until we got home. My girls wanted to wish you good luck and hope that you feel better soon. We think and speak of you often.

Anonymous said...

All the best, Chris! We're thinking about you here in Alameda.

Anonymous said...

Chris,
I know your hurting. I wish that I could donate to your fund as so many people are, however, I have been out of work for months.
I go to church in Petaluma each day, and now I will include you in my prayers

Ms. Gordon said...

Dear Chris and Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez:

I am a teacher in the Oakland Schools, and I would like to join all of those who have been so moved and touched by this tragic event in your lives. I have been inspired by your thoughtful comments and responses.

I know it is also part of my job to help other young men (and women) in Oakland find life paths that do not lead to this sort of violence.

I pray for Chris every day and hope that with some magic combination of medicine, faith, Chris' youth and resilience, that he regains his mobility and goes on to lead his dream life of skateboards and basketball, drums and pianos and everything else a young man can enjoy.

With deep hopes for a great recovery,
Debora

Anonymous said...

Christopher....
You hang in there buddy. You have many, many people in this world that are sending you and your family loads of prayers and positive energies.

Why this happened, I cannot say. But I do know that you will become stronger because of it.
Just keep your mind focused on healing, and don't let anyone or anything get you down.
BIG HUGS from a friend in Burlingame, CA

Anonymous said...

Hi Christopher,
I wanted you to know that my thoughts are with you and your family. You are a very brave kid and hope that you are feeling better soon. Take good care. :)

Anonymous said...

Chris,

There are so many of us out there who have heard your story and we want you to know you're in our hearts. You are an amazing young person for having so much courage. Please remember there are people out there thinking of you and who are even changing for the better because of you. Prayers, wishes, and love go to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Dear Chris,

When I was your age I played piano too. Music is such a wonderful gift and I hope it will remain in your life forever. It can inspire you to do wonderful things. God bless and stay strong.

--Chris

Unknown said...

Chris. What's up little buddy. I've known you since kindergarden and I know that you're a strong, positive kid with a great head on your shoulders. Don't listen to what the doctors tell you. YOU WILL WALK AGAIN. I know it. You have that kid magic that the doctors don't understand. All of us at Crocker think of you everyday and we'll do whatever we can to help you and your family. You didn't deserve this and it's a wakeup call to us all. We love you.

Unknown said...

I'm also working on a really cool painting for you. You can hang it up in your room when you get back home. Stay strong.

Anonymous said...

Dear Chris, family and friends,

Please hold onto your faith and strength during this crucial time. As you may be aware there are many out there praying for you and the prayers will not cease until we read that you are well and able to move on your own.

God bless!

Anonymous said...

To the Rodriguez Family. I've been following your story from day one. You are constantly in my prayers and I'm knowing that a miraculous healing is taking place for Chris. As seen by the many comments coming in, we are all one, and the love and support coming in for your family continues to excel. Blessing to you and thank God for a happy healthy outcome

Anonymous said...

Christopher, we are sending healing thoughts and good wishes to you and your family. We know you from Little League a few years ago... you have great parents and once you recover you will be able to do anything you set your mind to. We will mail a small donation towards to your expenses. Take care, Elizabeth Shook-Fung & family

Anonymous said...

Estamos contigo Chris!!! Rezare por ti!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm delighted that people have been so generous, but am concerned that the donations be made in a way that will be most beneficial to Christopher over the long term. I think it is very important that the family speak with an attorney who specializes in special needs trusts. I've recently researched a bit about this and it may be better in the long run to have donations made to a trust where he is the beneficiary rather than directly to him. The Dale Law Firm in Walnut Creek specializes in Special Needs Trusts and will articulate very well the benefits one might provide (I am not affiliated with them though I have spoken with Dr. Dale in the past). Their number is 925-280-0172. I wish Christopher and the entire family the very best.

friends of the family said...

Thank you for the suggestion about a special needs trust. The family will be looking into this.

Gerri said...

Chris - Just dropping in to wish you a speedy recovery. I look into your eyes in your photos and I see much determination. Your life has taken a turn that no one of us could have predicted. Use your determination to make sure you live the life you want. Keep a sense of humor about you and it will make the hard times easier to bear. Best wishes!

Anonymous said...

Dear Christopher and Parents,
Just wanted to let you know that my heart and prayers are with you eversince this happened. I had forwarded this link to my coworkers and friends, and some of us are waiting on the credic card link information to help you out.
Prayer is very powerful and everyday you are getting them from all of us.

Anonymous said...

Hello Chris,

I am stationed in Iraq right now, and you remind me of myself as a little kid. I want you to know that the world has unconditional love for you. God has a plan for us all, and we may not understand it while it is unfolding before us, but in the end we all understand. You will walk again my friend, and the strength you build from accomplishing that will give you a superior ability to accomplish even greater things for your fellow man. We love you. Nathaniel and Michelle Bahta

Anonymous said...

Don't worry Chris, you'll walk again. Don't give up....

Anonymous said...

I thought of contacting Extreme Home Makeovers and telling them about Christopher's story. They have applications but I am not able to complete the forms properly.

When you have the time please look into it. They have done wonders.

Anonymous said...

Dear Rodriguez Family:

Our thoughts are with you and your family. We are one of the many Crocker families who's hearts have been broken by this event. We can gain strength in unity as we give in our own ways and listen to the
voice of your parents as they express outrage at violence and gun use in Oakland.

Anonymous said...

Dear Chris: As a second career--a piano teacher, music is the greatest gift and healer. I hope you will heal fast as a running tiger as you listen to music, and I bet you will be able to play music in the future! It is in your soul so I send all my blessings for 100% best for everything in life for you Chris! Once a musician always a musician.

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