As you know, our friend, Bill Torres had a massive stroke in 2003 and because of his health insurance situation at the time, he virtually lost everything to astronomical medical bills...his house, car, and bank account.  But this did not deter Bill. He rose above his physical, physiological, and financial pain and dedicated himself to recovery. Bill worked out for 3 straight years, 7 days a week, 3 hours a day and if you see him today, he has very few signs of a stroke, except for the financial ruin it left him in.  While he was still in a wheelchair at Sharp Rehab for 4 months, Bill proclaimed "If I ever get better, I will help other people get better", and he has made good on that by mentoring and educating Stroke Survivors continuously for the past 16 years while taking no money for his service. He also has a deep love of animals and as part of his recovery and hand therapy he began feeding animals at local lakes and parks and has been doing that virtually everyday, rain or shine, since 2003. 

Bill's 16 year commitment to help mentor Stroke Survivors often times takes him to private homes, rehab facilities, and hospitals all over Southern California. Eventually,  his car broke down and he could not afford to repair it.  After hearing his story, a great friend, George Parker, whom Bill respectfully and lovingly calls "Saint George", stepped in and not only purchased Bill's last 2 cars, but also gave Bill a gas card so that Bill can continue his promise to "help other people get better". George's gifts were amazingly generous, eased Bill's anguish over not having a reliable car, but more importantly, allowed Bill to continue his "purpose" of mentoring Stroke Survivors and feeding the animals. As someone who has produced over 100 video productions about people with similar medical challenges as Bill, I can testify that it is astounding and rare that Bill, in spite of his own medical issues, chose to shine the light on others and has quietly continued his mission since 2003!  This 16 year gift of love is a testament that we definitely need more Bill Torres' in the World and he is worthy of our help. 

So why am I reaching out to all of you when this story sounds like it has such an inspiring and happy ending? Well unfortunately, Bill's cool little red Fiat is on its very last legs with 105,000 miles and is leaving Bill stranded almost weekly.  So, Bill needs a new car and I am hoping we can all collectively make that happen. "Saint George" will be 93 in March and has done more than his fair share in helping Bill.  It is now our turn. I will start with a $1000 donation and see where this takes us. Bill does not need a Ferrari, but just something reliable to enable him to continue his mission. I can confidently guarantee he will never stop helping others, it is his calling. Please help make that happen.

Randy Stubbs