I received a number of e-mails Sunday about my story on Francisco Hernandez of Lennox and his effort to get to college. I enjoyed meeting Francisco and telling his story. He truly is inspiring. I appreciate the kind words directed at me. I am very proud of this story.
Several people wanted to know how they could send cards or donations to Francisco. Here's
what I've told them: Send your envelopes to Francisco Hernandez in c/o Larry Altman, Daily Breeze, 21250 S. Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 170, Torrance, CA 90503. I will get them to him.
Here's the e-mails I received. I hope people don't mind that I'm sharing them. This was a real feel-good story.
Larry-
Dear Larry,
Duzich wrote back:
Several people wanted to know how they could send cards or donations to Francisco. Here's
what I've told them: Send your envelopes to Francisco Hernandez in c/o Larry Altman, Daily Breeze, 21250 S. Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 170, Torrance, CA 90503. I will get them to him.Here's the e-mails I received. I hope people don't mind that I'm sharing them. This was a real feel-good story.
Larry-
Your story on Francisco Hernandez was one of your best ever. His story is truly inspirational. This kid is a winner and it's great that you introduced him to your readership. This story resonates with all Americans who believe in hard work and determination when you have a goal despite your background or financial situation.
Best regards,
Vincent E. Pellerito
Dear Larry,
I just finished reading the story about Francisco Hernandez and it brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy that he was able to achieve such wonderful accomplishments despite the various setbacks in recent months with the death of his mother and his difficult and challenging childhood.
His story touched me in so many different ways and left me with an overwhelming feeling of wanting to help him. Like him, I faced many similar obstacles in my life, but with perseverance, I was able to succeed and do very well for myself through higher education.
I would like to assist Francisco with a financial donation before he leaves for Harvard. Please let me know if you are able to assist with coordinating this. Thank you for bringing the life of this wonderful young man into the forefront, as these are the type of stories that merit headlines in the news.
Aly Lopez Duzich
San Pedro
Duzich wrote back:
I highly recommend that this story be forwarded to the Oprah show for consideration. While there is significant attention given to young adults for hitting a #1 song on the music charts or winning an Oscar, not enough recognition is given to achievements such as Francisco's. His acceptance into Harvard against all of the challenges that he faced, is worthy of some of this very same attention, if not more. I believe that many more people, upon hearing his story, will be equally if not more impressed.
Hi,
Larry:
Larry,
I'm not a big crier -- I go to sad movies and sit in stony silence while my friends are sniffling and grabbing Kleenex -- but by the time I finished your story on Francisco Hernandez I was sobbing like a four-year-old. It was so gorgeously written and suspenseful and horrifying and uplifting. I hope your paper nominates it for a newspaper writing award.
With admiration,
Jeanette Morrison
Torrance
Larry:
Competent crime "reporting" is a craft. A craft you have hewn through decades of hard work. Feature "writing" is an art. An art that takes both reporting competence and compassion. This art is splendidly demonstrated in your Sunday feature article. Thank you for a story brilliantly told.
Richard Propster
Manhattan Beach
I would like to send Francisco a check to help him out with his personal expenses at Harvard. Is there a fund set up? Or will you forward him my email?
I was a young girl when I came to this country at 3 years old. My father came to this country as a legal resident. We were always encouraged to educate ourselves and do our best to be independent of any financial assistance. I hope that once Francisco graduates he will help others such as he has been helped.
I am a mother of a recent NYU grad and another daughter graduated from CSUN about 4 years ago. I want to be able to give Francisco some motherly encouragement.
Thank you.
Cecilia Hernandez
Mr Altman,
What a wonderful story about Francisco Hernandez. I was hoping you could provide some contact information for him, my family would like to make a small donation toward his college endeavor.
Veronica Mata
I just wanted to tell you I enjoyed your story featuring Francisco Hernandez. Yes, he had to overcome a lot of obstacles in order, not just to graduate, but be valedictorian of his class. That is wonderful that he will be going to the most prestigious school in the U.S. I'm glad that Harvard is giving him an opportunity to succeed in life.
Kathy Hontz
Larry,
Thank you for today's column! It was so heartbreaking, yet hopeful. You did a wonderful job telling us about Francisco's struggles and successes. Francisco is an inspiring young man. With his positive attitude, Francisco will definitely achieve his goals. Perhaps you could follow his college career to keep your readers apprised of his progress? I, for one, will eagerly await future articles on Francisco Hernandez.
Sincerely,
Leslie Gregg
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