Caring of My Parents to Becoming an Advocate
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My Pop was a Korean War Veteran, and my mom was a Military Wife. They worked, received an education, had their own businesses, owned property, traveled and returned in the high desert. Both of my parents in their late 70's began with illness and eventually, came to live with me. I took care of them until their passing. My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease and my Pop with Dementia, at the same time. They both passed away in 2015 (Mom in October and Pop in December) They both rest in Sunset Hills, Apple Valley.
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Alzheimer Disease Awareness/Memory Loss Centers/ CalVet Homes |
The First Thanksgiving Dinner that led to Food Distribution |
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I became an advocate after the experience I had with my parents. I took sweaters, lap blankets and caps to memory loss centers and CalVet Homes. There was a memory loss center that had events for Alzheimer Disease Awareness, and we had a booth with giveaway items.
We continue to look at the legislation bills that are pertaining to Memory Loss Centers, CalVet Homes, and Alzheimer Disease Awareness. 
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I was accustomed to cook a family Thanksgiving Dinner, and I had become a life member at the VFW in West Covina. I figured; I would make a Thanksgiving Dinner at the VFW for any Veterans & families if they wanted to come. Well, there was 75 that came in 2016. We did it again in 2017 and 250 came.
After that, we decided to do more and did a Turkey giveaway, we gave 100 turkeys. And, we have continued to do so and now, 2024 - 20,105 turkeys. We went further and started home delivery food distributions to families when we receive donations. Within 48 hours - food is distributed. 
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Inspiration to Becoming A Chef
My husband, Basil, attended Le Cardon Bleu for culinary and became a member of the American Culinary Federation (ACF). His mission was to feed the homeless and he went all over Southern California and did so. In 2019, he won the President Humanitarian Award from ACF. He inspired me to do more with Ladies TKO with my cooking experience, and so alongside him, I learned even more in culinary skills. I joined the American Culinary Federation as well and in 2023, I won the Cutting-Edge Award for my humanitarian efforts.
