Fundraiser for Ephrain Reliford

On Friday, June 26 2020, I received the call that no mother ever wants get. My son, Ephrain was the victim of a targeted shooting, while working in downtown Orlando. Needless to say, our family and friends were shocked. Ephrain is a loving caring son, brother and friend with a heart of gold. Why would anyone want to hurt him??

Late Thursday night, group of people pulled up on electric rental scooters and attempted to force their way in through the exit of Aero assaulting the small, female security worker working that door. Of course Ephrain and several others immediately rushed to assist their co-worker and a tussle ensued. Eventually, the group left, while issuing threats. No one really took them seriously, as people issue empty threats frequently in bars, but approximately an hour later, they returned, specifically targeting Ephrain. They caused a disturbance to distract him and when he went over to talk to them, the shooter came around and shot Ephrain twice in the abdomen. He was rushed to the hospital via ambulance where he underwent emergency surgery. The perpetrators of this act fled the scene in a white vehicle with damage to the right rear door.

Ephrain sustained injuries to his abdomen where 1 bullet entered and exited. The path of the second bullet caused intestinal damage with bullet fragments damaging a vertebrae, causing spinal trauma. He has so far undergone 2 surgeries to remove/repair a portion of his intestine and colon and doctors say they will have to perform at least one more surgery to stabilize his spine. At this time, he is unable to move his legs, although he does have some sensation.

Ephrain will likely have to go through months, if not years of rehabilitation, in addition to living with the psychological trauma of being shot.

Obviously, Ephrain will not be able to return to his job in security any time soon. But in addition to working in security, Ephrain is deeply involved in the tightly knit Orlando area Martial Arts community, where he has dedicated over a decade to teaching both children and adults. Patient and soft spoken, he has always been excellent with children, even when he, himself, was a child. Needless to say, without being able to work, the medical bills will start to pile up, as well as other living expenses, placing undue stress on Ephrain which will in turn, hinder his recovery efforts.

Ask anyone and they'll tell you that Ephrain is one of the nicest, most generous and caring people that you'll ever meet. He's always willing to step up when needed. Now, during his time of need, we would love for our community to return some of the love and kindness that he has freely given over the years. Any little donation will help so that he can focus on his long road to recovery and rehabilitation.

Thank you and may God bless you for your generosity and prayers.

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2020/06/27/orlando-police-looking-for-4-people-linked-to-downtown-shooting/

https://www.facebook.com/58169000877/posts/10157472908805878/