Most Inspiring, Timely Story of Human Potential Audiences Can See
3 minute film preview: Includes interviews with: Ramon Resa, MD, film subject, Dan Lowenstein, MD – Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost at UCSF, Professor and Vice Chairman in the UCSF Department of Neurology & Executive Producer, Diane Wagner.
RAMON RISING© is the documentary film story of Ramon Resa’s journey from migrant child farm laborer to pediatrician. Ramon was 2 years old when given away by his mother to a farm working couple in Central Valley, California. He was raised as one of 15 children in a two-room house where he lived in severe poverty and experienced neglect and child abuse. From an early age on, Ramon was hired out to perform back-breaking agricultural labor with any earnings going to his so-called guardians.
He Faced Staggering Adversity
Ramon’s second grade teacher explained to him that he didn’t have to be a farm laborer for the rest of his life. She encouraged him to get a college education, because with a degree he could choose any career he wanted. Her words gave Ramon hope for the first time in his childhood. He then set his sights on making it to college, however, he faced staggering adversity that made it nearly impossible. Ramon had a speech impediment. He suffered bouts of severe depression, including suicidal thoughts and experienced constant racial and societal discrimination in school. On top of this, he had to battle fierce opposition from his guardians who forbade him to go to college insisting he get a job after high school to help support them.
The Human Potential
Despite his Dickensian childhood and against all odds Ramon persisted and made it into and through college and medical school. Upon receiving his license to practice medicine, Dr. Resa immediately returned to the same Central Valley area he grew up in. He went to work as a pediatrician and for over 30 years has provided care for children (of poor migrant agricultural labor families) like he once was. Dr. Resa’s living proof to his young patients that they too can make a better future for themselves. Audience members of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds who watch “RAMON RISING” will leave theaters and classrooms better equipped to perceive and value the human dignity and potential of all and energized with a certainty that since Dr. Resa was able to overcome his horrific childhood and seemingly insurmountable problems, they too can change their own lives, their communities and the world for the better.
His Life Debunks Negative Myths & Stereotypes
Dr. Resa’s life convincingly debunks negative myths and stereotypes about refugees and immigrants who come to America seeking a better life for themselves and their children. He puts a human face on the universal truth that every child, including a migrant child farm laborer, with a speech impediment, no family, and zero resources has the potential to become a valuable, contributing member of our society.
Ramon’s story is the story of human potential, the unique personal potential that exists within us independent from any external source. It is also a story of hope and how we can keep it alive inside, even when there is no visible evidence that our dreams can come true … you are not limited by your age, your health, your relationships, or your finances nearly as much as your unwillingness to dream and persist … Ramon is a unique and gifted individual with an important place in history. His legacy will be felt for many generations, maybe even forever. | Jim Cathcart – Author of The Acorn Principle