“Friends of Jaime”–Jaime Escalante Cancer Fight Donation Fund
By Losanjealous - Tuesday March 02nd 2010 |
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As news spreads nationally that legendary local teacher Jaime Escalante is battling cancer, a plea for help from Edward James Olmos has gone up on his website (available here as a PDF):
Anyone who has seen “Stand and Deliver” knows how much Jaime Escalante (Kimo) has done for this country. The love and dedication he gave to his inner city students, and his unfailing conviction that every one of them was “gifted,” brought out talent that had been untapped – and unseen – by other teachers.
The genius that he awakened in the “unteachable” commanded the attention of the entire world. It caused countless educators to reconsider what their students might really be capable of if, like Kimo, they could awaken the “ganas” (desire) in them. Jaime didn’t just teach math. Like all great teachers, he changed lives. Gang members became aerospace engineers. Kids who had spent their youth convinced their lives didn’t matter discovered they were leaders.
Now, Kimo needs our help. He is seriously ill, and the treatment he needs has depleted all the funds his family can raise. They did not want to ask for help, but we took it upon ourselves to get the word out to all the country and around the world, to make his final days as comfortable as possible – and maybe even give him a chance to beat the cancer that has afflicted him. I have been moved to tears to hear of the circumstances of this great man and am calling for a last National Understanding of his selfless contributions to “making a difference in this world.”
Together, we have a chance to make a real difference in his life. I could not bear to think that we would do any less for one who has given so much for so long.
You have my deepest appreciation for any and all prayers and help that you can give.
Edward James Olmos
Donation info:
“Friends of Jaime”
c/o FASE (Foundation for Advancements in Science & Education)
236 West Mountain Street, Suite 105
Pasadena, CA 91103
626-793-5300
Credit card contribution form here.
THE BOLIVIAN COMMUNITY IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ARE VERY CONCERN FOR JAIME ESCALANTE’S HEALTH AND A RESPONSE WILL BE MADE SOON TO THIS MATTER.GET WELL JAIME..
I’ve put this information on my own Facebook page. After I heard the story on NPR, I immediately searched Facebook for a page about Sr. Escalante, but there was not one. I think you would get a great response if someone would create a Facebook page for memories of his students, people he inspired, info on where to donate, etc. Oh, yes, and a page on MySpace also. Just a suggestion which I think would reap great benefits.
Sincerely,
a former teacher from Vail H.S. (Montebello U.S.D.)
Paula — I am pretty sure I know your family from St. Paul of the Cross School. Please email me. Thanks.
There is an online donation and fundraising page over at http://www.causeshare.com/HelpJaimeEscalante. Spread the word!