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Loma Linda University Health’s community outreach program PossAbilities gears up for its 17^thannual athletic event

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA— Community athletes of all abilities and ages are invited to participate in the  17th annual PossAbilities & Kids Triathlon on Sunday, April 28, at Loma Linda University Drayson Center, 25040 Stewart Street in Loma Linda.

The adult triathlon begins at 7 a.m. and is composed of a 3.1-mile run/walk/roll, 11-mile bike, and 150-yard swim at the Drayson Center Pool. The kid’s triathlon begins at 9 a.m. and includes a 1/4-mile run/walk/roll, a 1/4 mile bike ride and a 25 yard swim. All participants will receive official finish times and a finisher medal. In addition to the two triathlons, the event will feature a 5K run, fun activities, and vendor booths for families to explore. 

Cotie Williams, program manager of Community Outreach and Patient Experience at Loma Linda University Health, says “The triathlon was designed to bring a range of athletes together of different ages and abilities for a fun community event. The triathlon is also a unique opportunity to bring awareness to PossAbilities and showcase athletes of all abilities.”

PossAbilities members include individuals who have endured permanent injury from limb amputation, stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and other causes. Williams says their professional athletes and Paralympic hopefuls rigorously train for events such as the triathlon.

Zimri Solis, a trilateral amputee from Jurupa Valley, has been competing in the event for four years. He said his goal this year is to improve his speed in running, biking and swimming. Zimri is a sponsored member of Team PossAbilities training for the Paralympics. 

Solis said his time last year was 1 hour and 14 minutes. This year he wants to complete the course in under 1 hour and 10 minutes. “My hope is that all my training will pay off,” he said. 

Online registration is open until 2 p.m. on April 26 and can be accessed at teampossabilities.org/events. Additional information regarding parking, adult and kids triathlon route, and volunteer sign-up can be found online.

PossAbilities is a free community outreach program of Loma Linda University Health that offers disabled and challenged individuals a sense of community and a healthy social network. For more information about PossAbilities, call 909-558-6384, email possabilities@llu.edu, or visit the website teampossabilities.org.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The PAL Center and PAL Charter Academy held its annual State of Youth Employment Event on April 18, 2019. During this event, various community and state leaders met and spoke about the importance of positively engaging our San Bernardino youth in employment opportunities. The question was, “What are you doing about youth employment?”

Dwaine Radden Sr., Chief Executive Officer for the PAL Center opened the event thanking Mr. Edward Brantley, Director of Community Relations for the PAL Center, for his efforts to connect the dots in our community.  Radden’s welcome set the overall theme for the event. He stated that connecting the dots was central to achieving success during and after the conference.

After the introduction, all community and state leaders had an opportunity to describe their organizations and their work with the community. During the speeches, every speaker connected the dots by reflecting on how their organization and others in the room could work together to provide opportunities for students.

Throughout the day, everyone was interchanging business cards and supporting the “connect the dot” analogy that Radden envisioned at the opening of the event. He quoted an old African proverb, “The child who is not embraced will burn the village down to feel its warmth.” Radden said San Bernardino is burning because our youth need to work and have positive activities and facilities for them throughout the city, and their community. He volunteered to put together a website for the Inland Empire community base resource agencies to post and share services for families and the youth.

Various organizations attended the event, from faith-based programs to San Bernardino County programs, businesses that provide job opportunities for youth, and California State Senator, Connie Leyva’s office. Mr. Andre Bossieux, or as he refers to himself, “Dre from TAY,” expressed the power of communication and staying in touch with our people to help guide them. His message was strong and inspiring. He asked the members of the audience to be mentors and leaders for our communities. 

Mr. Majadi, Director of the Center for Youth and Community Development, articulated the need for our communities to support our youth and provide opportunities for them to succeed. Mr. Stan “Amini” Futch from the Westside Action Group explained the importance and need to have a resource database. He stated that we should have various events to keep up the momentum and bring in more resources for San Bernardino and its youth. PAL Charter Academy showed a school video where it highlighted their student work. It also showed the real-time work with youth that had graduated from one of their programs.

The video expressed how the morale and life skills for these students could be taken with them professionally. Several enrolled students at the PAL Charter Academy talked about their academic success, their involvement in ASB, the Upward Bound Program, and other involvement at the school that led them to success that they never thought they would achieve. 

The milestone event also provided a lot of other resources and information that could benefit the youth in San Bernardino. The event was very positive, motivating, and it supported the continued need to work together. 

The landmark occurrence concluded with an opportunity for all of the audience members to comment and express their thoughts. Many participants described the event became more personal when an added theme was tied to the overall message of the event. It opened the door for many to make sure that they connect with as many other organizations and programs as possible to strengthen our services and employment for our youth in San Bernardino and outside of the city.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-San Bernardino) held a press conference to highlight Assembly Bill 1510 which will give victims of sexual assault occurring at a student health center an additional year to file their civil claims. Last year, a series of articles revealed the 30-year history of gynecologist, Dr. George Tyndall’s acts of sexual assaults and mistreatment of patients at the University of Southern California’s student health center.  The pattern of behavior revealed in the media coverage and the subsequent witness testimonies provided shocking details of sexual assault and harassment inflicted on patients while he served as USC’s sole gynecologist at its student health center.  AB 1510 will give victims of his conscious-shocking behavior an additional year to file their claims in court.

“As women, we are keenly aware of the pervasive culture that fails to value and protect women — a culture that lives in the shadows and thrives off fear,” said Assemblymember Reyes.  “This culture was unfortunately extended to the most intimate part of our lives — at student health centers — where the sacred patient-doctor relationship was violated.” 

It is estimated that over 14,000 female students were impacted by Tyndall since the start of his tenure in 1989. More than 30 women joined Assemblymember Reyes in solidarity, including speakers such as Nicole Haynes, a Tyndall survivor and broadcast journalist, and Aly Raisman, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and survivor of former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.

“The system is broken when the university seems more intent on putting out propaganda against the women who suffered the abuses of Dr. Tyndall than fully accepting institutional responsibility,” said Nicole Haynes.  “The systemic failure continues when we try to bring our case in a California court of law, and are met with antiquated deadlines and a statute of limitations law that threatens to extinguish our rights and voices.  AB 1510 will give survivors like me a chance to hold those who harmed us accountable.”

It gives us a choice. We can choose our own path to justice” said Haynes.

Before the story was revealed in the media, USC had found in an internal investigation that Tyndall’s behavior during medical exams amounted to sexual harassment of students.  The outcome of the investigation allowed Tyndall to quietly resign with a payout and keep his medical license.  Recently, USC agreed to a tentative settlement to pay $215 million to former patients.  The settlement calls for a minimum $2,500 payment to any USC students treated by Dr. Tyndall and up to $250,000 to those who were sexually assaulted or harassed.  The settlement would only apply to a federal class action lawsuit and not hundreds of other patients suing in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Raisman stated “When a physician abuses that power and trust, it is the worst sort of betrayal.  When authorities who could put a halt to the abuse instead turn a blind eye, the betrayal grows even larger still.  But we are not victims. We are survivors. And part of survival means seeking justice and accountability. It means that we as a society put aside antiquated time limits that would mute the voices of survivors in these worst kinds of cases.  What we saw with USA gymnastics and Larry Nassar we are seeing with USC and George Tyndall:  A sexual predator hiding behind a medical coat, and a powerful institution that for too long tried to hide the truth – and that now deserves to be held to account.  Full accountability will only come if our justice system is allowed to work.”

AB 1510 creates a one-year window to revive time-barred civil actions, but only for claims for damages “arising out of sexual assault or misconduct by a physician occurring at a student health center.”  Specifically, victims whose claims had expired prior to January 1, 2020, would have until January 1, 2021, to file their lapsed claim for damages.  This one-year revival window would not apply to any claim litigated to finality in court, or to any case settled to finality, before January 1, 2020.

Assemblymember Reyes concluded the press conference by reiterating the much needed cultural shift society must take to create a safe, transparent, and accountable environment.

AB 1510 passed out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee by a vote of 9 to 0.  It will next be considered by the full Assembly.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— RIVERSIDE, CA— In the height of the #MeToo movement, young ladies need to feel empowered and they need safe havens where they can connect with other young women in dealing with their daily struggles. The Empowering Young Women’s Conference gives girls ages 12-21 that space and will be held on Saturday, April 27 at Landis Auditorium at Riverside Community College, 4800 Magnolia Avenue in Riverside.

The one-day conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will consist of workshops on topics such as: achieving your dreams, bullying, human trafficking, career education, suicide prevention, self-esteem, domestic violence, personal health and much more.

A couple of the featured speakers at this year’s conference include Leticia Juarez from ABC7 and Dr. Leita Harris from Nurturing You Women’s Health & Wellness. The conference is FREE and open to the public and is presented by The Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation.

To RSVP, please visit www.eventbrite.com/e/empowering-young-women-conference-2019-tickets-56161929844.

Successful program brings sickle cell disease treatment to the Inland Empire

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA— Doctors at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital recently conducted the institution’s first stem cell transplant in a sickle cell disease patient, effectively curing her of the inherited blood disease. The successful procedure offers hope and accessible treatment to those suffering from the disease in the Inland Empire and surrounding regions. Children’s Hospital doctors had worked for nearly a year to build a program focused on helping hematology patients, specifically those with hemophilia and sickle cell disease.

Akshat Jain, MD, pediatric physician specializing in hematologic disorders at Children’s Hospital, said he is pleased with the outcome of the transplant and what it means for future patients suffering from sickle cell disease.

“We created a successful program so children and their families suffering from this disease don’t need to look elsewhere for treatment — it’s available to them right here in the Inland Empire,” Jain said.

The procedure was also Children’s Hospital’s first haploidentical transplant, meaning the stem cells donated — by the patient’s father — were only half a genomic match to the patient’s own stem cells. The transplant team infused the father’s cells directly into the patient after conditioning chemotherapy to replace the unhealthy blood-forming cells.

The patient, 11-year-old Valeria Vargas-Olmedo, had lived with sickle cell disease since birth. Her family began seeking treatment last year after she became incapacitated, unable to continue daily activities such as attend school, get in a car or even walk. Doctors said she had debilitating chronic pain, bone loss and bone necrosis.

“She is now disease free and can go back out into the world to do what an 11-year-old should be doing,” Jain said.

Clara Olmedo, Valeria’s mother, said, “Firstly, we want to thank God. We also want to thank Dr. Jain and his entire transplant team. Finally, thanks to Valeria’s father — he did everything he could in order to save her life and give her health through being a donor. My daughter is much more animated now — she’s begun walking, she’s eating and gaining weight, she’s happy. Little by little she is living a normal life like before.”

Sickle cell disease causes a shortage of red blood cells and thus an oxygen deficiency in one’s body. This can cause chronic pain and other serious complications, such as infection, acute chest syndrome and stroke. Without oxygen, any organ has a high likelihood of dying off.

Jain said the disease is generally found in populations like those in the Inland Empire, such as Hispanic and African American populations.

Jain said he and his team treat approximately 250 to 300 sickle cell patients in Children’s Hospital’s comprehensive sickle cell program — more patients than in some of the largest programs on the west coast.

The Vargas-Olmedo family wants to encourage others families who are struggling with sickle cell disease. “For the parents who see the news of this transplant and deal with this sickness, I hope they are encouraged and know that Children’s Hospital is a great hospital,” Clara Olmedo said. “There are many good doctors, professionals and excellent nurses. I encourage them to ask more questions about this procedure and our experience. They’ve helped us tremendously, and we have our trust in them.”

Playroom in new hospital tower to be named in charity’s honor

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA– Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital received $257,500 from the Walter’s Children’s Charity Classic Committee on March 26. The funds will support Vision 2020 – The Campaign for a Whole Tomorrow and the construction of the new Children’s Hospital tower.

Funds were raised at this year’s 23^rd annual Walter’s Children’s Charity Classic golf tournament. The committee has raised more than $4 million over the past two decades.

During the check presentation, Scott Perryman, senior vice president and administrator for Children’s Hospital thanked Walter’s Automotive Group for their generosity.

“I want to express my gratitude for this amazing partnership, and its impact on the community,” Perryman said. “Your organization just gives and gives. I continue to be amazed by your spirit of generosity.”

Steve Kienle, president of Walter’s Automotive Group and founder of the committee, expressed his joy in being able to support children throughout the community.

“If we’ve done anything at all, we’ve helped one child,” Kienle said. “For us, it’s the love of doing what we do for the children. There are so many worthy causes in the Inland Empire, but for us, there’s no cause more worthy than supporting the children at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.”

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK–ENN)—JOSHUA TREE, CA—On Monday, community activists, caregivers, and seniors and people with disabilities visited San Bernardino County Board of Supervisor Dawn Rowe’s district office in Joshua Tree urging her to support the county’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program — an in-home care program that low-income seniors and people with disabilities depend on to survive. While a group of activists went inside the office to speak to Supervisor Rowe, others leafleted outside to bring public awareness of the efforts to hold County Supervisors accountable to the well-being of seniors and people with disabilities.

The action, planned by IHSS caregivers who are members of SEIU Local 2015, is the first action targeting Supervisor Dawn Rowe and comes after activists shut down parts of Arrowhead and Fourth at a rally outside the Board of Supervisors meeting last month demanding that the county support and invest in the county’s IHSS program that over 30,000 seniors and people with disabilities currently rely on to survive.

“The county has refused to support the in-home care that our loved ones depend on,” said Kim Evon, Executive Vice President of SEIU 2015. “Supervisor Rutherford event went so far and told caregivers that the county has other priorities. Well, our priorities are the seniors and people with disabilities that need the IHSS Program to survive. We will continue advocating for and demanding that the county prioritize the care our loved ones need and deserve.”

San Bernardino County’s IHSS Program allows low-income seniors and people with disabilities to receive life-saving care in the comfort of their home from people they trust. Caregivers provide services such as: bathing, toileting, administering medication, and accompanying care recipients to critical doctor appointments.

“Providing a livable wage to our in-home caregivers is not only cost effective for the County but good for our local economy,” said Sara Lee, a Joshua Tree resident and educator.  “Too often, our politicians push for development projects that provide short term jobs for out-of-district workers that end up threatening our local economy and environment.  By investing in long term healthcare workers, we not only provide local sustainable jobs that can help our residents get off government assistance but can also provide cost savings and loving and humane care for those with disabilities and our growing senior population.  A contract with a livable wage is the right thing to do for our workers, for our seniors, for our local economy and the County’s bottom line.”

Activists plan on targeting the district office of every Board of Supervisor in the coming months. They are determined to continue to hold actions until the Board responds to their demands.

The action at Supervisor Rowe’s office was live streamed on Facebook here: SEIU 2015

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK–ENN)— ONTARIO, CA— Time for Change Foundation (TFCF) held their 17th Annual Awards Gala, “Oh, the Places She’ll Go!” on April 12, 2019 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA.  What a beautiful sight it was to see the community come together in honor of local heroes, and to recognize the homeless women and children that have triumphed over trials!  

For 17 years TFCF has created a true pathway for these women and children to reach self-sufficiency. The event welcomed back alumni from over 15 years that have held onto the skills learned while at TFCF, some achieving Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, other watching their children graduate from college.  “Oh, the Places She’ll Go!” highlighted the new heights these women have been able to achieve. Events like our gala enable us to highlight the successful journey of these resilient women and the obstacles they have overcome. 

Founder, Kim Carter stated, “We believe in the women! We believe in their ability to come back from devastation and no matter what, a second chance is deserving!”

In light of the amazing accomplishment throughout their 17-year history, TFCF celebrated and more importantly acknowledged the many local heroes who make daily contributions to our society. This year’s honorees included: Carlos & Audrey Martinez – Dynamic Duo Award, BLU Educational Foundation – RISE Award Restoring Inclusivity in Systemic Education Award, Johnson Family Child Care – Child Care of the Year Award, Linda Lindsey – Lady of Justice Award, Mayor Deborah Robertson – Public Service Champion, James & Rowena Ramos – Lifetime Legacy Award, Beatriz Solis – Melinda Gates Inspiration Award, Tim Evans – Ramos Family Spirit Of Compassion Award, and Dr. Roger Hadley – Community Health Champion Award.

Since its humble beginnings in 2002, Time for Change Foundation has demonstrated a remarkable determination towards ending homelessness for women and their children. 

Time for Change Foundation’s 17th Year Anniversary Gala took place on Friday April 12, 2019 at the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton in Ontario, CA. It was an awe-inspiring, and truly wonderful night for all. To find out more about future events, please visit www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org or contact Vanessa Perez at (909) 886-2994 or by email at vperez@timeforchangefoundation.org.

We accept all forms of donations. To see how you can help make a difference visit us on the web at www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org.

The mission of Time for Change Foundation is to empower disenfranchised, low income individuals and families by building leadership through evidence-based programs and housing to create self-sufficiency and thriving communities.

Photos and write up by John Coleman, Community Photographer

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) celebrate the month of March, annually, as Social Work Month,  & hold an event where they give recognition to a special individual Social Worker, a Social  Work Educator of the Year, or exemplary Social Service Agency/Organization of the Year.

For over 60 years  the non-profit Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County has worked with & on behalf of low income people throughout the county;  providing support,  advocacy,  and empowerment,  towards the goals of self reliance and economic stability.

The Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino) Region, California Chapter, National Association of Social workers (NASW)  was proud to recognize & honor the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County for the “Community Agency of the Year Award”.

By Naomi K. Bonman

LOS ANGELES – The community celebrated the life of a true change agent. The life celebration of Ermias Joseph Asghedom, better known to the world as Nipsey Hussle, was held on Thursday, April 11 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The center holds 21,000 and it was packed out with every seat filled.

The three-hour long service was a pure reflection of all that Nipsey represented during his 33 years on Earth –from the unity and array of the floral arrangements, to the words that each family member and close friend spoke, to the performances. The service began with a prolific photo of Nipsey Hussle on display with his song, “Victory Lap” playing as family, friends, the Nation of Isalm and the community gathered in the stadium. “Victory Lap” was indeed the perfect song that defined Ermias’ life.

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