The mother who took a bullet to save her son during the Pulse massacre was remembered during a car show at The Barn in Sanford, as supporters raised funds for the family she left behind.

  • Pulse 'hero mom' of 11 remembered at car show fundraiser Sunday
  • Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, 49, died taking bullets for son, who survived

The family of Brenda Lee Marquez McCool is trying to pull together to help while they continue to grieve.

Sunday, the Marquez family got a chance to write down their memories of a fearless woman who is now known as a hero after her death.

"She was a 'live loud' person, she was always into something and always having fun with her kids," said Jessenia Marquez, Marquez's cousin.

Their hearts are still hurting over the loss of McCool, who gave the ultimate sacrifice to save her son as the shooter sprayed bullets throughout the Pulse nightclub.

"She was a wonderful lady. She's a hero. She was getting the bullets for her son. It's incredible," said Freddy Colon, Marquez's cousin.

It was a heroic act her family said won't be forgotten.

"It's caused a lot of pain for a lot of our families in general. Orlando is all under the stress, the pain, the anguish, the unanswered questions," said Marquez.

Jessenia Marquez’s daughter was also inside Pulse Nightclub when her cousin was killed.

"I came that close to losing my daughter," said Marquez. "I'm grateful to God for the angels that were with her. It's painful for her to know that she made it out and my cousin didn't."

To honor Marquez, they put her picture on each trophy so the winners of the car show can take home a piece of her memory.

ph: Brittany Jones, staff

"No one deserves to lose their lives in a situation like what happened, it definitely hurt everybody," said Miguel Mansilla, car show participant.

Her name and picture is also on a plaque for her family to keep.

ph: Brittany Jones, staff

Each dollar raised at the fundraiser will go to help each of the 11 children McCool left behind.

"Just the little that we can help and donate, that's what we want to do," said Marquez.