Hundreds of friends, family, and people from the community came to Citrus Park Saturday night to support Pulse shooting survivor Amanda Grau, as she continues her remarkable recovery.
Amanda Grau gets around a little more slowly these days, using a cane. But don't think for a second that she isn't incredibly strong.
"It's been a tough journey and a long road, but I'm feeling great," Grau said.
What happened inside Pulse night club June 12th, has changed her life in more ways than she ever could've imagined.
"I wake up every day thanking God that I'm here, still here to see my family every day, and just very blessed to have a second chance at life," said Grau.
This week, Orlando Health and Florida Hospitals announced they'd make sure Pulse victims don't pay a dime out of pocket for their medical expenses from the attack. It's a huge weight lifted for Grau, and an extension of the overwhelming support she's gotten since the shooting.
"It's truly a blessing to know that there are still caring people in the world and to know that all the love, joy, and prayers that were sent to me, it's just an amazing feeling," said Grau.
But right now, Amanda still can't work. She needs therapy three times a week, and may require another surgery. That's why dozens of people turned out to an #AmandaStrong benefit Saturday night.
"Amanda's still fighting. She's still fighting for her everyday life, to be normal, to laugh again, to love again, to feel whole again. To be able to go to sleep and not wake up several times in the night with anxiety thinking he's still coming for her. I hope people still understand Amanda's fight and that they can still help, and there's so many people out there that need help," said Phillip Grau, Amanda's brother.
As for Amanda, she's incredibly grateful for the support, and she's not done giving. The nurse hailed a hero for saving lives during the Pulse shooting, is determined to get better and further her nursing education, maybe even becoming a therapist to help others in their journey to healing.
Long after the story fades from the headlines, Amanda, along with her friends and family, hope everyone in the community will continue doing what they can to support all the Pulse victims, survivors, and their loved ones.
