Latest news with #Godinez
Business Wire
04-08-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
OneLegacy Shares Emotional Story and Video of Hosting First Time Meeting in Honor of National Minority Donor Awareness Month
AZUSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In honor of National Minority Donor Awareness Month, OneLegacy is sharing a powerful video of love, loss, and the life-saving impact of organ donation. On June 21, two families, one grieving the loss of a child, the other celebrating a second chance at life, met for the first time at OneLegacy Headquarters in Azusa, CA. The emotional introduction was the first in-person connection between the Godinez family, who donated their 3-year-old daughter Luna's heart, and the family of Olivia LeBlanc, who received the heart and the transplant that saved her life. "We said yes," said Jocelyn Godinez, Luna's mother, about organ donation. "I think Luna wanted that. Luna saved two lives. I'm thankful the one that has her heart is a girl, and with that, I feel like she's still living." Share The private event was organized by the Family Support Services program at OneLegacy, a federally designated non-profit organization. OneLegacy's free FSS program includes bereavement literature, grief support groups, facilitation of correspondence and meetings between donor families and recipients, and events to honor and remember donors. In this case, both families expressed interest in communicating, and OneLegacy assisted Luna's family and Olivia's family in making a connection. After years of letters, emails, and texts, the two families were finally set to meet at the top of 2025. However, the Godinez family lost their home in the Eaton Fires, delaying the scheduled meeting. This intimate morning gathering was five years in the making, and it brought a powerful story full circle. "We said yes," said Jocelyn Godinez, Luna's mother, about organ donation. "I think Luna wanted that. Luna saved two lives. I'm thankful the one that has her heart is a girl, and with that, I feel like she's still living." Ms. Godinez listened to her daughter Luna's transplanted heartbeat through a stethoscope on the morning of Saturday, June 21, when the two families met for the first time. A Heart Shared, A Legacy Carried Forward In 2020, Luna Godinez, a bright, curious, Latina, 3-year-old girl, died unexpectedly. Despite overwhelming grief, her family chose to say yes to organ donation. Luna's heart was matched to Olivia LeBlanc, a 2-year-old battling heart failure. Today, Olivia is thriving thanks to that selfless act of generosity by Luna and her family. Olivia, now 7-years-old, met Luna's family for the first time in a private, deeply emotional gathering coordinated by OneLegacy's Family Support Services team. The families exchanged letters, stories, drawings, and embraced. Each acknowledged the weight and wonder of the connection they now share. This meeting, a testament to the power of organ donation, left a profound impact on everyone present, inspiring hope and gratitude. "We're just extremely grateful because we know that families don't get to meet the donor family sometimes. There's no amount of words to let them know that we are forever grateful for saving our daughter's life," said Olivia's mother, Tamika LeBlanc. "To be able to see them and hug them and see where Luna comes from is a blessing." More Than a Meeting—A Shared Legacy The gathering included private time for families in the OneLegacy Family Support Services room. They shared stories, photos, and letters with each other. Olivia brought handmade drawings. Luna's family brought keepsakes. There were tears, laughter, and an unmistakable sense of connection—one forged through generosity and courage. 'Moments like this highlight how choosing to say yes to donation can create a legacy for the donor, a community for the donor's family and a second chance for the recipient,' said Prasad Garimella, CEO of OneLegacy. Honoring National Minority Donor Awareness Month National Minority Donor Awareness Month (NMDAM) is observed each August to honor the generosity of diverse donors and highlight the critical need for donor registration within communities of color. Despite comprising nearly 60% of the transplant waiting list, multicultural communities are underrepresented among registered donors. By highlighting Luna and Olivia's story, OneLegacy aims to inspire more families to openly discuss organ donation, register as donors, and support the diverse communities waiting for a match. If you haven't already, consider registering as an organ donor today. Your decision could save lives and create a legacy of love. Watch the full video here One registered donor can save up to eight lives and heal countless others through organ, eye, and tissue donation. Becoming an eye, organ, or tissue donor is easy and can be done by registering online at or by 'checking YES' at your local DMV. For more information, visit About OneLegacy OneLegacy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Kern counties. Working in close collaboration with hospitals and transplant centers, OneLegacy ensures the recovery of vital organs and tissues. Make a difference: become an organ, eye, and tissue donor by registering at or by checking 'YES' at your local DMV. If you are not already a donor, we encourage you to consider registering today. For more information, visit
USA Today
01-08-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Loopy Godinez: Jessica Andrade 'biggest fight of my career,' but a favorable one
Loopy Godinez is confident she can capitalize on the opportunity of facing a former champion at UFC 319. Godinez (13-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) takes on ex-UFC strawweight title holder Jessica Andrade (26-14 MMA, 17-12 UFC) on Aug. 16 at United Center in Chicago (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+). After back-to-back losses to Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern, Godinez rebounded with a unanimous decision win over Julia Polastri at UFC on ESPN 64 in March. She thinks a win over Andrade will propel her a big step forward in her career. "Definitely, I'm really excited for this fight. I think it's also a great matchup for us," Godinez told MMA Junkie Radio. "It's a big, big opportunity, and it's also the biggest fight of my career." Andrade has struggled as of late, with five loss in her past seven bouts. Godinez thinks the Brazilian powerhouse's walk forward style will play into her favor. "She's well-rounded, and her power, she's really strong," Godinez said. "Honestly, we've been working really hard in every area. Everywhere the fight goes, we will have an answer. ... I think I have more tools to use when someone is aggressive and coming forward. She likes her hooks, that gives me a lot of space for my work, and I really believe this is a great matchup for me."
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘I'm not comfortable': ICE arrests causing fear for Cornelius residents
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Fear exists for many around the state after at least five local asylum seekers by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Portland Immigration Courthouse. In Washington County, leaders address the effects on their community outside the Centro Cultural Community Center in Cornelius. 'ICE has no place in our neighborhoods,' said Cornelius City Councilor Angeles Godinez. More than half of the city of Cornelius's population is Hispanic or Latino according to the city's The city says the fear of ICE raids has a ripple effect in the community. 'As public officials, we are legally and morally obligated to protect the rights of all residents, regardless of their immigration status,' Godinez said. Local leaders say people in their community tell them they're afraid to attend public events, go to work or even call 911 during emergencies. 'When people are afraid of their own government, they stop calling the police. They stop going to the doctor. They disappear from public life,' said Washington County Commissioner Nafisa Fai. Metro Councilor Juan Carlos Gonzalez says his family knows all too well the stress ICE can cause. 'When my dad immigrated to the United States, he came here without papers,' Gonzalez said. He said a few years ago his father became a US citizen. But they fear for the rest of the community. 'For many folks that have an experience like me, we know that our existence and our families, their right to belong, is being questioned and that's something I'm not comfortable with,' Gonzalez said. City, county and community leaders said they are working with the local police to ensure the community's safety. 'The police have been briefed. And also we have many committees and including some people here at Centro that have been working with police and on various different commissions,' Godinez said. Oregon is classified as a sanctuary state, meaning its law enforcement will not work with ICE. That's something President Donald Trump has openly criticized, claiming their policies of not enforcing immigration law put the safety of American citizens in jeopardy. 'And let me be clear, city officials in Cornelius will not be agents of ICE. We are not here to divide families. We are here to serve them,' Gonzalez said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hamilton Spectator
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Vancouver's Loopy Godinez to face former UFC champion Jessica Andrade in Chicago
Canadian strawweight Loopy Godinez will face former champion Jessica (Bate Estaca) Andrade at UFC 319 in Chicago on Aug. 16. Godinez (13-5-0) is ranked 11th among strawweight (115-pound) contenders while Andrade is ranked fifth among strawweights and ninth among flyweights (125 pounds). Godinez, 31, ended a two-fight losing skid with a win over Brazil's Julia (Psycho) Polastri in March. The Mexican-born, Vancouver-based fighter is 8-5-0 in the UFC. Andrade (26-14-0) won the strawweight title at UFC 237 in May 2019 when she knocked out American Rose (Thug) Namajunas. But she lost to China's Zhang Weili in her first title defence. The Brazilian was stopped by flyweight champion Valentina (Bullet) Shevchenko at UFC 261 in April 2021. Andrade has lost her last two outings and five of her last seven. She was submitted by Canadian Jasmine Jasudavicius last time out, at UFC 315 in May in Montreal. Andrade is 17-12-0 in the UFC. The main event at Chicago's United Centre sees South African Dricus du Plessis defend his middleweight title against No. 3 Khamzat Chimaev of the United Arab Emirates. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2025.
Vancouver Sun
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Vancouver's Loopy Godinez to face former UFC champion Jessica Andrade in Chicago
Canadian strawweight Loopy Godinez will face former champion Jessica (Bate Estaca) Andrade at UFC 319 in Chicago on Aug. 16. Godinez (13-5-0) is ranked 11th among strawweight (115-pound) contenders while Andrade is ranked fifth among strawweights and ninth among flyweights (125 pounds). Godinez, 31, ended a two-fight losing skid with a win over Brazil's Julia (Psycho) Polastri in March. The Mexican-born, Vancouver-based fighter is 8-5-0 in the UFC. Andrade (26-14-0) won the strawweight title at UFC 237 in May 2019 when she knocked out American Rose (Thug) Namajunas. But she lost to China's Zhang Weili in her first title defence. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The Brazilian was stopped by flyweight champion Valentina (Bullet) Shevchenko at UFC 261 in April 2021. Andrade has lost her last two outings and five of her last seven. She was submitted by Canadian Jasmine Jasudavicius last time out, at UFC 315 in May in Montreal. Andrade is 17-12-0 in the UFC. The main event at Chicago's United Centre sees South African Dricus du Plessis defend his middleweight title against No. 3 Khamzat Chimaev of the United Arab Emirates.
