Watch: Ellen made an Orlando survivor’s dreams come true
An Orlando survivor has received one of the best gifts from his heroes, Katy Perry and Ellen DeGeneres.
The host surprised the survivor, Tony Marrero, with a special visit from Katy whose song ‘Rise’ gave him extra motivation during his recovery period.
On the show, Marrero’s gay icon revealed that she would pay for his first year at film school, something that he has always wanted to do.
Tony was shot 4 times in the back by the shooter but each bullet missed every vital organ.
Ellen arranged for Morrero to come on her show after he tweeted her a picture of him in hospital holding a sign saying “I’m still swimming, Ellen”.
The Finding Dory reference warmed Ellen’s heart and as always, Ellen made his dreams come true.
Ellen set up a special private screening of Finding Dory for Marrero and his friends, and raised $25,000 to be donated to the Pulse Victims Fund.
When Marrero and Perry met they broke down in tears. “We’re both so electrified by each other and so inspired” Perry said, after pointing out how much her hands were shaking.
The Pulse survivor had said he owed his fighting spirit to the gay icon and Perry was so inspired by Marrero’s story that she decided to pay for his first year of film school, something he has always dreamed of doing.
The heart felt surprise had everyone in the studio in tears, including Marrero’s partner who was sat in the audience.
The singer added: “I’m happy I could be there in my own little way to help you.”
It’s been almost 3 months since the horrific attack on the LGBT club which left 49 people dead. The shooting has been called one of the worst in US history.
Tony was at the club with his best friend, Luis Velma who was killed in the attack. Vielma worked at Harry Potter world in Orlando and JK Rowling sent flowers to his family following his death.
Watch the full heart warming video here:
