Florence holds prayer vigil for new dad Caleb Medley

As one of their own fights for his life, the community of Florence is sending prayers and strength to new dad Caleb Medley.

About 200 people gathered in Pioneer Park Tuesday night for a vigil. It happened the same day Medley become a father and began showing signs of responsiveness after being shot in the Aurora movie theater massacre.

A friend of Caleb and his wife Katie, who’s with them at the hospital, said Caleb was able to spend some time with his son, Hugo.

“When she put the baby in his arms, Katie was holding his hand, and she was talking to him about the baby and the baby was crying. His pulse and blood pressure (changed), he was squeezing her hand,” said Michael West. “Definitely know he was there.”

The Florence community was staying positive at the vigil after news of Caleb’s progress and Katie and her child’s continued health after escaping the theater unharmed.

“Today there was a lot of news and, of coarse, the birth of Hugo today was just a miracle,” said Mike Nolan, Caleb’s former teacher.

Those who love Caleb won’t let get of their hope for the young man known for making people laugh.

“Caleb is a really goofy, fun-loving guy, “said friend Amanda Wilkerson, who planned the vigil. “Every time you think about him, you have a smile on your face.”

Friends said the support they’ve seen for Caleb, in Florence and far beyond, is incredible.

“It’s amazing how many people are pulling through, and it’s not just the community. I know people all over the world,” said friend Felicia Romero.

Those at the vigil are thankful so many others are joining them in their prayer.

“I know they need prayers more than anything right now,” said Wilkerson.

People at the vigil collected donations and baby items for the Medley family. There’s also a donation website that’s been started since the Medleys don’t have health insurance. As of Tuesday night over $176,000 had been raised.