My name is Sara Torres, the youngest daughter of Rosalinda Torres. I have worked in the medical field for 13 years and have four beautiful girls. I’ve seen people lack medical resources, money, transportation, medications, food and moral support. I hope this organization can help others like my mom.

Valor means great Courage in English, which was the definition of my mother. Since I could remember she has always been the sole provider and backbone of our family. She taught us to be strong, independent, and brave. My mother always told us you work for what you want. This brings us to this non-profit organization, where people come together to give to those in need.

My name is Anjelica Rose, named after my late grandma Rosa. My grandmother was my heart, my best friend, and now my angel. I watched her struggle mentally and physically for years, as she battled kidney disease. I always wished there was something I could do for her to bring her more comfort. I remember reading a quote by Angela Miller that said, “All I need is for you to gently close your mouth, open your heart wide, and walk with me until I can see in color again.” 

To this day, I carry it with me heavily in my mind, because when people are going through struggles, sickness, and overall trying times, sometimes they just need someone there beside them, holding their hand when times get scary. Someone to remind them that they are not alone. That is what I strive for, being a part of the Valor team.

I want to do my best to bring a little color to those who are only seeing in black and white.

Hello, my name is Dolores Lopez, and I am the oldest daughter of Rosalinda Torres. I also was responsible for taking my mother to most of her doctor’s appointments and procedures. I love my mother dearly and she was my best friend. Going through the time of life for my mother has forever changed our lives as a family. With all the ups and downs we experienced so many different emotions. My mother and I had many conversations about how she felt. She felt very frustrated and scared with no control over anything that was happening to her. I remember one conversation that we had in which she mentioned that she did not want to be alone through all her tough times. This is when I realized that if there was anything that we could help control. That one thing was to make sure that she was never alone.

Therefore, Valor is important to me. Not everyone has someone or has a support system—some who can be there for them. To help with things, little things that can make a huge difference. I want to make sure that whoever goes through this knows that there are people out there that truly do care and will be there for them. “You are not alone.”

The Urban Dictionary defines valor as: Courage and boldness.

Simple words with limitless possibilities, however all direct action to a common virtue; the fight for preservation of life whether it’s their own or another’s. I only had the opportunity to know Rosa for a few years but in those short years she showed me what courage really was. Despite all her struggles with her health and life in general she chose to not give up. She chose to keep pushing and she chose to fight till the end.

I wanted to be a part of Valor because I truly want to make a difference in our community. Unfortunately, there are so many people going through health struggles all alone and need someone on their team. I feel that together we can really make a difference in their lives. A single act of valor can rewrite the history books and leave an echo across eternity.