Actors Vanessa Marquez, Ingrid Oliu and Will Gotay recently got together with other cast members of the 1988 film Stand and Deliver, which was based on the inspirational life of Garfield High math teacher Jaime A. Escalante for a happy reunion. Little did they know that only a week later they would once again be reunited by ‘Kimo”, the nickname given to the math teacher that Edward James Olmos portrayed in the award-winning film. This time, however, the reunion was not as joyous. Mr. Escalante 79, has been battling bladder cancer.

With his financial resources depleted and a terminal prognosis, the cast, including Edward James Olmos, have reunited to help raise funds and bring awareness to this beloved teacher. There will be a “Kash for Kimo” event at the Garfield High School, where Mr. Escalante taught, on Saturday March 6th from 10 am to 2 pm.

While teaching at Garfield Mr. Escalante was able to transform even the most troublesome teens into dedicated students, ready to learn and perform beyond the expectations set forth by the school board. Over thirty teachers currently teaching at Garfield are former students of Mr. Escalante.

“He didn’t want anyone to know and feel sorry for him,” says Olmos. “But I said, ‘Jaime, you have been depleted.’ This [has] cost thousands upon thousands of dollars and the insurance company won’t help him.”

Marquez’s reason for getting involved in the fundraising is simple, “Because he gave so much to us, its time to give back”.

“Don’t wait to read the obituary in a few months and say ‘Wow, I wished I could shown my gratitude,’ now is the time to show your gratitude, he’s got about 2 months left to live,” it could …

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