'Idol' Run Might Be Over, But Race to Fiancee's Recovery Continues

Chris Medina might lose his spot in the American Idol running this week, but family says he's content with ground he's gained in the race for fiancee Juliana Ramos' recovery.

Community members have stepped up in big ways during Medina's Idol run, donating a handicapped van, a website in Juliana's name, a —and a total of $29,000 so far.

In the three weeks Medina aired on Idol (the whole process took months), their story has outgrown the show, and Medina is thrilled, according to Ramos' cousin Allison Carroll. that judges send Medina home this week.

"He wanted people to hear Juli's story," Carroll said.

In his , Medina said that if he made it to Hollywood, he would have felt like he'd already won by giving Juli something to smile about. out of Juli since her 2009 car accident.

As Juli hits personal milestones, support rolls in from community members. After Medina's first episode aired, MobilityWorks and BraunAbility contacted the Ramos family, offering a handicapped van. As family members have been transporting her via car, Carroll said the van will simplify the transportation process.

"We got to try it out, wheeling her chair in and out," Carroll said. "Getting Juliana in and out of the car is difficult, and there's only a few of us who can do it. We're learning, but it is stressful.

"On long drives, we just want to keep Juli as comfortable as possible."

Another person designed the website ForJuliana.org, which features Juli's mom's Facebook blog posts, a photo album of Juli and a channel for online donations. Its creator remains anonymous.

Before the website, Carroll was monitoring donations mainly through Juliana's Laurus Foundation page. The most recent total showed $29, 000 in contributions.

But some of the most meaningful gifts have been intangible ones. Personal stories have trickled in from others who have endured the recovery process involved with TBI.

"It's just encouraging," Carroll said. "It's a climb. It's a slow climb.

"She's improving every day. She hasn't plateaued yet."

Supporters Gather, Spend at Blarney Stone Pub for Viewing Parties

Each week of Medina's stay on Idol, friends and family of Medina and Ramos have , to watch the show and contribute to her recovery fund by spending at the local hotspot. Owner Tom Spellman has agreed to donated .50 of every Miller Lite bottle sold and $3 of every pizza 14 inches or larger to her cause.

The Idol experience has been taxing for Ramos and the rest of the family members. Ramos decided to stay home from last week's Bourbon Street viewing party on Thursday, Feb. 17.

"It's tiring," Carroll said. "But we're having fun.

"It's an excuse for us all to be together again, celebrating something positive in all this."

Join Ramos and family this Wednesday at Blarney Stone Pub, and this Thursday at 115 Bourbon Street.