Volunteers
The commitment to our mission of improving the quality of life for Latino children with cancer and their families can only be reached by the amazing commitment and support of individuals who give so much throughout the year. Please help us congratulate the following volunteers – volunteers who inspire us in their strength, spirit and HOPE for a brighter tomorrow!
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Maria Franco
2009 New Volunteer of the Year Award
The 2009 New Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient is Maria Franco. Maria became a PADRES Volunteer in early 2009 and has become an extremely dedicated and committed volunteer. She took on lead roles early on as a volunteer as Volunteer Captain at almost every event that she participated in last year such as PADRES Kids Beach Day, Padres Apoyando a PADRESsm - Monthly Family Luncheons as well as several PADRES fundraising activities.
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The Morales Family
2009 Volunteer Family of the Year Award
The Family Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to The Morales Family who have dedicated at least the past ten years to actively participating in PADRES’ programs - PADRES Apoyando a PADRES; Holiday Posada; Annual Family Picnic & Carnival; and various other activities. Gabina and Miguel are parents to Miguel, Tiffany, Christian and Bibiana, both of whom survived Retinoblastoma. Christian was diagnosed in 1995 and Bibiana was diagnosed in 2000. The Morales family spreads HOPE by advocating and offering support to families who have a child, or children battling cancer. Their expertise is a resource which teaches newly diagnosed families the challenges of having not just one but multiple children with cancer.
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Sally Garcia & Joseph Marquez
2009 Volunteers of the Year Award
The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to husband and wife team of Joseph Marquez & Sally Garcia. Joseph and Sally have been volunteering for PADRES for over 5 years and have been present for the majority of events this past year. Joseph has been a huge supporter in the set up and break down of large events including our Annual Family Picnic and Carnival, Holiday Posada, Easter, and Gala. Sally has been an amazing volunteer both at our administrative office as well as at various PADRES events and activities. Their dedication and commitment to our organization has earned them the Volunteers of the Year Award.
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Michael Gamez
2009 Volunteers of the Year Award
The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to Michael Gamez. Michael has been part of the PADRES family since 2007 and has become a familiar face and reliable presence at the majority of PADRES events throughout the year. Michael’s dedication to our organization is evident as he travels at least 100 miles one-way to attend PADRES events. His commitment has made him a trusted part of our volunteer force and has earned the respect of the staff and the families we serve. Michael’s ongoing dedication and energy has earned him the Volunteer of the Year Award.
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Yolee Casagrande
2009 Humanitarian of the Year Award
Yolee has been a supporter of PADRES for over 5 years. As an R.N., her role has been crucial to the organization by connecting PADRES families to proper medical care and second opinions. She has also used her expertise as a class facilitator at PADRES educational sessions. But her commitment hasn’t stopped there, Yolee has also participated in several of PADRES’ Quality of Life events in helping in the first aid tent and also by working directly with the families in the special activity areas. On the business front, Yolee has been active in donor recruitment for the organization both for monetary and for in-kind donations. This past December, Yolee coordinated a multi-campus toy drive at USC’s Medical hospitals which included Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, LAC+USC Hospital and University Hospital. it's our honor to present Yolee Casagrande as PADRES Humanitarian of the Year.
