One of the Most Important, Timely & Inspiring Stories of Human Potential Audiences Will See
Ramon’s mother gave him away to a couple in Central Valley, California who raised him as one of 15 children in their household. He lived in severe poverty, neglect and abuse and was forced to do full time back-breaking farm labor his entire childhood.
4K Film PREVIEW | Projected Release: 2018 | Includes interviews with: Dan Lowenstein, MD – Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost at UCSF, Professor and Vice Chairman in the UCSF Department of Neurology, Executive Producer, Diane Wagner.
Against All Odds
One of Ramon’s grade school teachers told him that he didn’t have to be a farmworker for the rest of his life. She encouraged him to get a college education explaining that with a degree Ramon could choose any career he wanted. Upon hearing her words, hope for a better future was birthed in Ramon’s heart and he set his sights on making it to college. His pilgrimage out of the hot, dusty fields to pediatrician was filled with extreme adversity. He faced racial discrimination by school officials and students as well as fierce opposition from his guardians who forbade him to go to college, insisting he get a job after high school to earn an income and help support them.
Celebrating The Indomitable Human Spirit
Despite his Dickensian childhood, Ramon made it through college and medical school. When he received a license to practice medicine, Dr. Resa went straight back to the Central Valley and went to work providing medical care for kids like he once was. For over 30 years Dr. Resa has served as living proof to his young patients that they too can make a better future for themselves. Audiences of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds will come away from watching RAMON RISING reminded of the indomitable human spirit’s power to overcome all obstacles in the way of finding a better life. They’ll likely join many who hear Dr. Resa’s story in believing, “If he can overcome all the issues and problems in his life to become a doctor, I can overcome mine too!”
Debunking Negative Myths & Stereotypes
Dr. Resa’s story is an antidote to today’s epidemic of intolerance, negative attitudes, hateful speech against those who are poor and who are immigrants. Dr. Resa’s life convincingly debunks stereotypes and myths concerning the intelligence, aptitude, and motivation of migrant workers who come to America in search of a better life. His story testifies to the universal truth that every child (including an abandoned Mexican American boy with a speech impediment, no family, and zero resources) has the potential to become a valuable, contributing member of our society.