'She Taught Me To Be Giving And Forgiving': Moreno Valley Hero

BEAUMONT, CA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Paolo Martinez of Moreno Valley who nominated his older sister, Viridiana Diaz, also of Moreno Valley:

What does the nominee do for work?:
Volunteer work

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
She taught me to be giving and forgiving. Even though she suffered from depression and severe anxiety after being in an abusive relationship, and was mentally abused at work before being fired she still thinks of others.

Wants to brighten people's lives, and make them smile. Since lockdown she wanted to help. Applying at hospices, and grocery stores. Signed up to volunteer in her community. Helps make meals with mom to give to the homeless, even though she has had no income of her own and her savings are down to almost nothing. And has contributed to different organizations to help those in need.

She says "people have it worse than her." Through it all she never stopped being a sister. Tutoring me with college algebra — I'm 14 — and being supportive of our sister who has Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome. And she also just got an offer to be a mentor to disabled people!

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
The world would be better if we cared for others like her. She has taught me to be a better human being.

Thank you for all you do, Viridiana!

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

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