Mas

Hello and welcome to your regular sneak peek into the pages of MÁS magazine!

Editor's Note: Comments on Carlos ...

In our April 18 issue, MÁS published a story on Carlos Ortiz Jr. (written by MÁS staff writer Lauren Helper), who died in a car accident in May 2006. We learned how Carlos’ family made the decision to donate his organs.
With April being National Donate Life Month, MÁS asked Carlos’ mother, Irma Boyar and his sisters, Carla Andrews and Michelle Berumen, to share their story about losing Carlos, but gaining at least some comfort in knowing his donated organs saved four different lives. They would later meet one of the organ recipients — a man who received Carlos’ heart.
Now, the family encourages others to make their wishes known to family members, and to consider this life-saving option.
To see the original article, go to: www.masbakersfield.com
To learn more about organ donation, go to: www.organdonor.gov or www.onelegacy.org
Many of our readers were moved by our story on Carlos, so much so that they posted these comments:
This article has touched me so much, I just registered with the Donate Life.
caligyrl04 
This was a great article in MÁS. I knew Carlos since elementary school. I know he is missed dearly. Great job on reporting and getting the information out about becoming an organ donor.
michele1075
Beautiful story. Carlos was a very sweet kid, and he is missed by many friends. This goes to show how life and love are eternal ... ¡Viva Carlos!
matt

Awards for MÁS ...
• We’ve received nine print awards in the 2008 José Martí Publishing Awards for Excellence in Hispanic Print, given by the National Association of Hispanic Publications to honor excellence in Hispanic print media (see story on page 5). While we’re thrilled to have our writing and photography acknowledged, we are grateful to the community for sharing their stories with us, helping to make these awards possible.
• We have also received the “Corporation of the Year Aztec Award” from the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation. We’re honored to have the teamwork here at Mercado Nuevo, a subsidiary of The Bakersfield Californian, recognized by the MAOF.

What a great 2008 it’s been so far, can’t wait for 2009!

— Teresa Adamo, Managing Editor

A crowning achievement

Shafter High’s 37th annual Miss Cinco de Mayo Queen contest gives girls opportunity to express pride in Latina roots.

Time for a fiesta!

Nowadays, Cinco de Mayo is far beyond battle plans, but yes, the pride remains. And indeed, it’s a time to set a strategy for fun & fiesta! Kern County is no exception — plenty of parties, parades, concerts, comida and cultural performances will mark the special day. MÁS provides a listing of events that you y tu familia can add to your Cinco de Mayo entertainment calendar.

Running for a higher purpose

The 12th annual Nun Run event at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Saturday looks to be a runaway success! The target goal of the 2008 fundraiser for the Catholic school is $30,000. Last year, the Nun Run exceeded its goal.