Recalibrate RayRod's Compass

Raymond’s compass has sustained significant damage. While it is not broken, it has led him in a direction nobody could have imagined nor anticipated. We will help him to recalibrate his compass as he finds true north. We will assist him in finding his bearings. We will be here to help him as he charts his own course. We will support him in being the best version of himself.

In the morning of Wednesday July 12, 2017, Raymond Rodriguez was starting his second week as a plebe candidate at Kings Point (USMMA, United States Merchant Marine Academy). Raymond was excited, but humbled to have been awarded an appointment to Kings Point.

At this point, it appears Raymond may have suffered a heat related incident with a core temperature of near 107 degrees. He was quickly attended to at the scene and transferred to the ICU at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, NY. Yesterday afternoon (July 15, 2017), the medical team believed his liver was not performing properly. He was transferred to Mount Sinai’s Pediatric Liver Transplantation Program in New York City where he is currently waiting for a full liver transplant that will be provided via an organ donor.

Harmony High School Football team, Offense Lineman 

His family includes Ray (Father), Jen (Mother), Elizabeth (Sister) and Peter (Brother). The family resides in St. Cloud, FL and will be traveling and needing to secure living situations while in New York city. They greatly appreciate any assistance with prayers and donations for Raymond’s medical bills, medications, and associated expenses while he and his family battle this tragic event.

Elizabeth didn't get the memo, it was do your best gangsta look.

Raymond graduated in May, 2017 from Harmony High School in St. Cloud, FL with Honors and 4.62 GPA. He participated in and served various Officer roles in many clubs, including the National Honor Society, Key Club and Best Buddies. Raymond was also a dedicated Offensive Lineman for the Harmony High School Longhorns . He is also active in community engagement wherever he can lend a giving hand. He’s kind, approachable and gregarious, and always able to make you laugh and quickly allows you to feel like you’re his best friend. He’s open-minded and enjoys learning about other cultures and beliefs.

Given all these attributes, it’s no wonder why he has so many great friends and was awarded a prestigious appointment to the United States Merchant Marine  Academy.

Mom and Raymond always smiling

Raymond’s mother graduated with the Class of 1990 from Kings Point; his sister is in the Class of 2019 at West Point; and his grandfather (William Lehman) graduated with the Class of 1965 from West Point.

The family thanks the anonymous organ donor that will hopefully provide Raymond the opportunity to continue his journey.  Without that act of generosity and foresight to be an organ donor, Raymond would have little chance of survival. The family requests prayers, thanks and well-wishes be extended to the anonymous donor, their family and loved ones in their time of loss and sorrow.

The family is thankful for the amazing and wonderful care givers at the scene, at the North Shore University Hospital and the team at Mount Sinai’s Pediatric Liver Transplantation Program and for all the thoughts, prayers, well-wishes and support from St. Cloud, FL; Kings Point; West Point; and around the world.

NOTE: If anyone would prefer to edit the display and posting of their name and donation dollar amount the instructions to do so can be found at How do I make my donation anonymous. Whatever option you choose, we are humbled and appreciate your kindness.