It is with a heavy heart that we write to you today to let you know that longtime CPR Community Organizer Teresa DeAnda passed away over the weekend.
Teresa was a force to be reckoned with - a passionate and fearless advocate for California farmworkers and rural families threatened by pesticide exposure. Growing up and raising her children in the small San Joaquin Valley town of Earlimart, Teresa saw firsthand the ill affects of chemical exposure on her community and own family. After more than 180 Earlimart residents were poisoned by a major pesticide drift incident in 1999, she turned knowledge and outrage into action, quickly becoming a leader in the movement to protect people from pesticide exposure.
In fact, Teresa was so passionate and determined that we hired her to be our San Joaquin Valley Community Organizer. From 2002 until 2012, Teresa worked closely with CPR staff to demand better environmental protections and rights for farmworkers and their families, bringing energy and wit that inspired us all. Tragically, in 2012 she was diagnosed with cancer and had to leave work to fight the battle for her own life. Teresa lost that struggle Sunday night, passing peacefully surrounded by her family at a hospital in Florida.
Teresa will not only be missed by pesticide reform advocates and allies all over - she also leaves behind seven children and a huge extended family that loved her deeply.
Donations are needed to support her family during this difficult time. Individuals can send contributions via Paypal directly to Teresa's daughter, Valerie Gorospe, at [email protected] or by mailing a check made out to Valerie Gorospe to 2206 18th Avenue, Delano, CA 93215. Sincerely, Tracey Brieger and Sarah Aird, CPR Co-Directors |
