Binghamton University students and student groups have begun planning events to raise money that will help pay for the medical expenses of Mayra Rodriguez, a BU junior who contracted bacterial meningitis while studying abroad in Spain this semester.

One of the first of these fundraisers was a party held by some of Rodriguez’s friends on Saturday night in the West Side of Binghamton. Those who were invited were informed that it was a party in her honor and the approximately forty people who attended raised over $200.

‘There was a suggested $5 donation to all invited,’ said Patrick McInerney, a junior economics major. ‘But we also said that anything over that amount would be greatly appreciated.’

Though McInerney and his housemates were pleased with the results, Saturday’s party was only the first of many events planned to help the cause.

‘We’ll be tabling in the [New University] Union on March 19 from about 12 to 4 p.m.,’ said Matias Della Bella, a junior biology major and friend of Rodriguez. ‘My fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, will be helping us out.’

APO is a co-ed community service oriented fraternity on campus.

Kristen Longo, a junior English major and a childhood friend of Mayra’s, has also planned an event in collaboration with her sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma: a party at The Sports Bar on March 15 from 10 p.m. to midnight.

There will be a $6 cover charge. The first hour is open bar, then drinks will be two-for-one. They will also be holding raffles.

‘We will be selling tickets in the New Union the entire week prior to the event, with a table on March 13,’ Longo said. ‘All proceeds from this event will be donated to the fund created in Mayra’s name.’

Through all of the planning and organizing, students are stressing that the most important goal to be accomplished is that word continues to spread of Rodriguez’s condition and the help that she needs.

‘We want to touch as many students as possible,’ said senior psychobiology major Sam Nia, who is also planning a fundraiser for Mayra.

Though details are still being worked out, Nia has also spoken with Brian Wachsman, the owner of the popular Mad Moose Saloon in Downtown Binghamton, about organizing an event to raise money for Rodriguez.

Wachsman was out of town and unavailable for comment, but according to Nia, details on the Mad Moose’s involvement, as well as the exact nature of the fundraiser, should be decided tonight, March 6.

Mayra Rodriguez is currently in recovery at Mount Sinai Hospital. Though Mayra’s vision has not yet returned, Penny Judelson, a family friend and coordinator of the Mayra Fund, is optimistic about her recovery.

‘She’s walking a little now ‘ they got her to go up a few steps,’ Judelson said. ‘Everyday is another step forward.’