Familia Unida Dedicates Monthly Support Group Meeting To Friend Rodney Glen King on June 29th
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!
Honorary Chair Dolores Huerta says Si Se Puede along with Keynote Speaker, Kathleen Martinez, Assistant Secretary of Labor and disabilities advocate at the Familia Unida 8th Annual Wheelchair Wash!
LOS ANGELES, (July 14, 2011) – As part of the celebration of the Americans Disability
Act, over 2,000 individuals and their families living with a disability are expected to receive a V.I.P. pampering during a Community and Health Fair scheduled on July 17th at the East Los Angeles Civic Center located at 4801 3rd Street, Los Angeles. The 8th annual Wheelchair Wash Day is featuring free washing and tune-ups of wheelchairs, haircuts, manicures, massages and more surprises.
Look out for Rosie the 20 ft inflatable wheelchair named after Rosie the Riveer who is
known for demonstrating “You can do it”. “The festivity will be filled with love, resources and awareness to the importance of family and communities coming together, reinforcing hope and inspiration” shared, Irma Resendez, Founder and President of Familia Unida.
Attendees will be inspired to listen to influential women and luminaries of our country, sharing of their expertise related to civil and human rights. The renowned Keynote Speaker, Kathleen Martinez, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Labor for disability and employment policy, based in Washington D. C. Dolores Huerta, the Honorary Chair, a living legend and community activist will be joining us exemplifying the importance of making your voice count.
“This is a unique opportunity for a hands on experience that everyone should participate in. The Familia Unida wheelchair wash story of neighbors who support one another where it matters most. Together we can change the life of another”, said Dolores Huerta president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation & Co-Founder, United Farm Workers.
Special Thanks to Presenting Sponsors, Creative Inflatable & Promotional Design Group,
Some of our community partners: Supervisor Gloria Molina - County of Los Angeles, LA
CARE, Phrma, KABC-7, , Metro, The Dolores Huerta Foundation, Roybal Foundation,
White Memorial Medical Center, La Raza & Latino 96.3, Quanco, CVS-Pharmacy, Univision Radio, Disney, Union Bank, Braille Institute, Access Transportation Services, Steven Steakhouse, Juan’s Restaurante, Teresitas Restaurante, Jarritos, Montebello Beauty
College, Norma Caro Hair Salon, Angel Flight Media, LAC-USC Medical Center, Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, Health Net, Parks and Recreation Dept, Nestle, MALDEF,
OrganicSales, Rational 360, Pfizer, Rosemead Key Club, City Year of Los Angeles, Encuentro Latino Art Gallery, Toyota Todo Team, and other friends too.
Familia Unida – Ambassadors bringing laughter and love include: On-Air National Radio
Personality - Fernando Espuelas, Omar & Argelia Velasco – Univision Radio Personality
Entertainment Featuring: Luis Gavino-The Winner of the Jose Jose Singing Contest to
Legendary Jose Jose – “Hijo de Familia Unida”, including Champions & Jets Glee Club,
Rocio Cisneros, Cindy Cuevas, Dueto Rios del Norte, Gustavo Damian, Flawlis 562, Reyes
Herrera, Johana, Rosa Marquez and Brian Munoz have come together to bring healing and a
sparkle of joy. Sound System by Cecilio Duenas Sound.
Healthier Lifestyle Tips – Chef Juan of Juans Restaurante – Benefits of Eating Cactus!
About Familia Unida:
Founded in 1991 by Irma Resendez (after her diagnosed of MS that confined her to a
wheelchair for almost a year). Familia Unida Living with Multiple Sclerosis is the first
bilingual English-Spanish multiple sclerosis non-profit organization in the United States to outreach to the Spanish speaking community. Familia Unida has evolved to serve
individuals and families living with various disabilities including providing linkage to
appropriate resources, host monthly support groups, presentations from diverse expert
speakers, assist individuals receiving SSI and SSDI benefits find employment through the
Employment Service program. 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. To learn more, volunteer, make an inkind donation or make a tax-deductible charitable contribution, please Contact us: 323-261-5565 or visit www.msfamiliaunida.org. Make a positive difference today!