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Gang member is now a singing star inspiring hospital patients with his music [Video]

Published

3 years ago

August 18, 2021

Enrique Rodriguez, once a violent gang member, is now a phlebotomist.
He sings to patients to give them hope.
He said that God gave him “the opportunity to start a new life,” in which music is a big part.

Enrique Rodriguez from Central Jersey, 28, left behind a violent and unlawful past, and started a new life with a greater purpose.

“I found God at an extremely troubling period in my life and he showed himself to me when I needed him most,” he said. “I know that God wanted me to care for people just as he cared for me, and the hospital was the perfect place to do that.”

In 2009, Enrique got involved with gangs after losing his brother to the jail system. Feeling disconnected from his loved ones, Enrique searched for what he called “the wrong kind of family.”

He became a “blood member” for three years, misled that what he joined was a strong brotherhood that allowed him to make easy money.

“The gang lifestyle is pure manipulation,” the 28-year-old said. They make you feel like they care about you, that they’ve got your back, that you’re family; but all they do is use you so they don’t have to get their hands dirty.”

His life was a mess until his turning point came. It was when he hurt the “wrong person” and a rival gang came after his mother and attempted on her life twice. Fortunately, the aggressors were arrested — which made Enrique believe that God is looking out for him and his family.

“I have done a lot of bad things and mixed with a lot of bad people,” he shared. “I’m just grateful God looked out for me and my family. He has given me the opportunity to start a new life, and music is a huge part of that.”

In 2012, Enrique started working at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital as a housekeeper. After a year, he completed trainings to become a patient carer in the ICU. Now, he works as a phlebotomist ferrying COVID-19 and blood samples from different laboratories.

For nine years that he’s been with the hospital, he discovered that he has musical talent, which he now takes advantage of to serenade ward patients.

Enrique pays regular visits to patients to bring them hope with the songs he plays.

“I love what I do and I believe my purpose in this world is to help other people,” he said. “When I’m singing to these patients, I can feel the connection we have and it’s wonderful.”