Familia Unida Living with MS Celebrates – “No Color Lines except for the red carpet line”

Familia Unida Living with MS, e.g. Familia Unida, will host the 9th Annual Wheelchair Wash, a one-day celebration that is remembered all year long, “no color lines, except for the red carpet line” on Sunday, July 15th from 10AM to 6PM. Hosted at the East Los Angeles Civic Center, 4801 East Third Street. This special day is for anyone living with a disability inclusive of their family members and supporters.

Envision a large gathering of persons and children in wheelchairs and scooters participating in a whole day of health education and family fun. Familia Unida living with Multiple Sclerosis refer to wheelchairs, scooters and walking assistance devices as “mobile partners” as this is the partner that accompanies those we serve. The mobility partner help maximize life experience throughout the day. Familia Unida believes that it is important to give special acknowledgement to these “mobile partners” and send the message to keep them clean, safe while also bringing attention to community engagement and always finding more ways to connect, learn and share. The day begins with the washing of their wheelchairs, then a detailed wax and tune up and why not a haircut, manicure and a massage. For many people attending it is their first time ever having their “mobile partner” washed which is a sad reality. Countless participants have shared how happy their loved ones feel when their wheelchair has been cleaned, others have expressed that they felt so bad because they had never thought about cleaning their daughters or husband’s wheelchair before and with excitement express that they will make sure it is maintained clean.” Seeing so many happy faces is priceless. Throughout the day there is group physical exercise taking place, sharing of healthy tips from nutritionist and health experts and many exhibits sharing vital resources for all and many other surprise for sure.

“Our community is stronger and healthier when we collaborate for the betterment of those we serve, as evident by this healing and fun day. I ask that you join Familia Unida in making a positive difference by attending, making a financial contribution or providing an in-kind support that will enhance this day and our daily programs and services. Please give what you are inspired to do so," shared Irma Resendez, Executive Director and Founder of Familia Unida Living with MS.

Familia Unidas annual Wheelchair Wash Health Access Community Fair was created by founder Irma Resendez 9 years ago. Mrs. Resendez was grateful that her husband and daughters cleaned her wheelchair. While going on outreaches to hospitals and at the Familia Unida monthly support group meetings Mrs. Resendez saw the need to offer this to some of her friends who either lived alone or could not do the detailed cleaning due to their disability. The Founders vision was to have enough volunteers to provide this special touch to anyone who wanted it and so the Wheelchair Wash concept was born. The more she shared her vision more people living with MS, Paralysis and other disabilities many expressed their desire to have their wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers cleaned and more volunteers wanted to help out. The first wheelchair wash was held at the Familia Unida office in 2002 with 40 people in attendance who rolled in their electric scooters and wheelchairs. Today the wheelchair wash has evolved to having hundreds of attendees roll in the red carpet ready for a day full of goodies. Not only to have their wheels washed, waxed, and tuned up but also to make new friends. The Wheelchair Wash Health Access Fair bridges community resources, healthier lifestyle tips, wheelchair/scooter safety demonstrations, and much more.

“I’m very proud of the work done by Familia Unida Living with MS to improve the lives of people living with disabilities. The Wheelchair Wash is an inspiring event that is being celebrated for its ninth year – an impressive accomplishment,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina. “I’ve attended the Wheelchair Wash in previous years, and I’ve witnessed first-hand the tireless dedication and commitment from the Familia Unida Living with MS staff to the population they serve. Indeed, it is a major reason why I honored Familia Unida’s Co-Founder, Irma Resendez, as L.A. County ‘Woman of the Year’ in 2008.”

This entire day is valued at over $150.00 per person and it is given absolutely at no cost because it has already been paid. Our current economy has affected us all, especially the low income families, health care current budget cuts and more community organizations forced to close their doors has made it a priority for Familia Unida to continue to find ways to give our community a day of no worries that is filled with love and positive energy. The energy is heartfelt and witnessing inclusion, socialization and especially building a community of family unity that represents over 2,5000+ persons in attendance and continues to grow each year.

Presenting Sponsors: Promotional Design Group, Creatable Inflatables & Pet Rescue Solutions.

Healthier Lifestyles Presentation & Cooking:
Featuring: Chef Hollywood Juan of Juans Restaurante who will be cooking and sharing healthy recipes and cooking tips with:
Dra. Aliza Lifshitz – Chief Editor – Vida y Salud & Luz Maria Briseno – Nutritionist & Radio Personality

Entertainment Presented By Luis Gavino – Gemelo De Jose Jose
Featuring Grupo Alpha, Siria Shaage, Kumbia Salvaje, Nelson, Pablo Emmanuel, Enrique Valle, Eddie Lo, Kuarto Show, Las Guerras(grupo originales), Los Del Aguilar Real, Veronnika Diaz, Artist Chris Orozco and more surprises!
Presented by Promotional Design Group, Creative Inflatables also Latino 96.3, 97.9 Raza, special thanks to Supervisor Gloria Molina, First District, and the County of Los Angeles, The Parks and Recreation Center, Fernando Espuelas-Philanthropist, LA CARE Health Plan, Roybal Foundation, Montebello Beauty School, 5 Breads and 2 Fish, Quanco, Univision Radio, Stevens Steakhouse, ABC7, Juans Restaurante, First5LA, White Memorial Medical Center, Teresitas Restaurant, Rawdraft.com, Jarritos, our community partners Dolores Huerta Foundation, Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, LAC-USC Medical Center, and others representing health, advocacy, educational resources, and the countless volunteers who without them, this special day would not be possible.

MEDIA CONTACT: Johnnie Resendez 323-213-9819

Familia Unida Dedicates Monthly Support Group Meeting To Friend Rodney Glen King on June 29th

Founder Irma Resendez celebrating love & friendship with Rodney Glen King at Familia Unida’s monthly gatherings.
LOS ANGELES, (June 22, 2012)- Rodney Glen King (April 2, 1965-June 17, 2012) became famous and known throughout the world for being the alleged victim of police brutality by the Los Angeles Police Department on March 3, 1991.
“Rodney Glen King was a gentle humble spirit with a heart filled with compassion and love for humanity. I trust that he is at peace and at a better place. I will miss his laughter, hugs and smiles that he shared with his Familia Unida family. King looked forward to coming to Familia Unida’s Multiple Sclerosis monthly support group gatherings as a support to a friend whom has the diagnosis. “Rodney came because it was a place where he said he felt safe, loved and at home. I wish could be able to hear his voice and laughter one more time, I can not believe that he is gone”, said Irma Resendez, President of Familia Unida Living with MS.

Familia Unida remembers King as a friend and supporter of Familia Unida-United Family grass roots non-profit organization whereby Rodney participated with his long time friend Felicia. Rodney would share resources, tips for better health and always took part in the physical exercises that sometimes included dancing to the chicken dance, passing around the teddy bear to music in a circle with friends, and naturally if the teddy bear landed on his lap when the music stopped he enjoyed dancing and singing to everyone. Whenever he was away traveling he would come back with excitement to share of his experiences and would bring us literature that gave us insight to alternative treatments that he believed may help his friends living with MS and chronic illnesses. Rodney embraced the Familia Unida mission “provide unconditional love, hope and support to maximize the quality of life”.

Felicia Von-Deffner, shared, “I have known Glen like he preferred to be called, for over 35 years, since when he was a teenager and lived across the street from me. As my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis progressed, Glen would drive me to the Familia Unida monthly support group meetings whereby I have been a member for over 12 years. Glen always left the meetings by saying that he felt like he was with family, if we were all like Glen we would all get along, I do not have any words to express how I feel right now as I have not accepted that he is gone.”

On Friday June 29, Familia Unida will dedicate the Monthly support group meeting in honor of Rodney Glen King and remember his profound impact and desire to bring families and communities together. We will continue in his “Peace Legacy” and will keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers. The monthly support group meeting will be held at the Garvey Community Center – 4108 East Garvey Ave, Rosemead, CA 91770. Funeral Services are scheduled on June 30, 2012., location to be determined.

About Familia Unida
Founded in the early 90’s by Irma Resendez in her living room (after her diagnosis of MS which left her paralyzed for almost a year), Familia Unida, e.g. Familia Unida Living with Multiple Sclerosis is the first bilingual English-Spanish multiple sclerosis non-profit organization in the United States. Today, serving thousand of individuals and families affected by multiple sclerosis and other chronic medical conditions in the greater Los Angeles area and making connections with families through out the country and beyond thanks to the internet. Familia Unida has evolved representing various cultures, serving individuals and families living with various medical conditions and disabilities. Some of the services include, monthly support group meetings, linkage to appropriate resources, showcasing community leaders, presentations and trainings from diverse expert speakers, assist individuals receiving SSI and SSDI benefits find employment through the Employment Service program and hosting community events such as the annual wheelchair wash. Primary goal is to uphold its solid commitment to offering innovative and comprehensive services that respect and value the diverse populations living with disabilities to maximize the quality of life. There are over 500,000 people living with multiple sclerosis in the United States and over 200 individuals newly diagnosed every week. This census does not include the many that are misdiagnosed or not counted due to language and cultural barriers. Today, there is no cure. To learn more about Familia Unida please Contact us: 323-261-5565 or visit www.msfamiliaunida.org. Make a positive difference today!

Familia Unida
You are not alone-No estas solo!

Mission:
“Provides unconditional Love, Hope, and Support to individuals and families living with MS and disabilities to maximize the quality of Life...”

Familia Unida Living with MS (FULWMS) was incorporated as a 501-c3 nonprofit in 1998 to provide unconditional love, hope, and support to those living with Multiple Sclerosis and other disabilities to help maximize their quality of life. Located in the heart of East Los Angeles FULWMS upholds its solid commitment to offer innovative and comprehensive services that respect and value the diverse populations through family centered service models and programs.

Familia Unida has a track record of success with purposeful clear outcomes that have gained National recognition for its service delivery model that is inclusive of various cultures and disabilities, with a focus in providing Health and Social Service and programs targeted to ethnic minority groups, especially the non-English, low-income, uninsured populations. This grass-roots nonprofit has established community partnerships with over 800 community based organizations, Regional Centers, healthcare providers, including Kaiser, Rancho Los Amigos,The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation,USC-Medical Center, White Memorial Medical Center, LA CARE, government, elected officials and especially with bridging relationships with the disabled community. Thank you