Update - 6-24-2009
I had a long conversation with Billy Punt the day before yesterday. He seems like a really consciencious guy, and told me about the bank account set up, and trust fund issues.
He gave me the name of the law firm and told me how they voted in a board meeting to do all the trust work pro bono. He is now waiting for them to complete the paperwork.
I asked him how the trust would be structured - he said it would be used to pay any immediate and ongoing medical proceedures, and any left over would go to Angelo in monthly payments once he turned 18.
I mentioned that some people on this site had found doctors willing to work pro bono, and he told me that it would be great if I could forward any related info so he could try to get it in to the hands of Angelo's caregivers.
I got a really good feeling from him, and he seemed like he really cared. He was going to be a trustee of the trust along with the uncle, Jesse, and 2 other local pastors. He said they money would go to angelo only and not his caregiver, regardless of whether Jesse became angelo's guardian or not.
At this point, I feel good about endorsing their collection and trust efforts, and also contributing the money collected on the site to them.
Their site for donations is: http://babyangel.moonfruit.com/ and I would recommend people check it out, donate their or via a local Wells Fargo.
I will keep this site up and hope it can continue to be a place where people can share their thoughts about Angelo, and I think once he is in a permanent placement, we can coordinate sending more personal donations like toys etc.
Please continue to post new news stories and info about upcoming events to benefit Angel - I know I rely on the site for updates and I believe there are others who do as well.
Thanks so much for helping spread the word, and check back here for updates.
Devon
I decided to start this site after reading about the tragedy that happened to Angelo Mendoza Jr. I had never heard anything so horrible in my life, and wanted to do something to help Angelo in some way.
If you aren't familiar with the story: On April 28 Angelo's father, high on PCP, bit the boy's eyes so badly that he is now, by most accounts, permanently blinded. The father then attacked his own ankle with an axe before being taken in to custody. The boy is quoted as saying 'My daddy ate my eyes" - one of the most awful things I have ever heard.
Since I came across the story, I have been thinking about ways to help Angelo. There is very little information about how to do so, so I decided to start this website. The mission of 'Friends of Angelo' is:
1) Collect Donations for Angelo's direct benefit Make a cash donation
Donations will be used to:
- Improve or restore Angelo's sight (including therapy and other costs related to living with reduced vision or blindness)
- Help Angelo cosmetically (glass eye, eye socket restoration)
- Help Angelo psychologically (counseling for him and for his caregivers/guardians so they know how to help him heal)
2) Keep up to date on all news related to Angelo
If you want to help Angelo, please donate, or contribute to this site through posting on the forums or by helping publicize this site. How you can help
I have no connection to Angelo, or to his extended family, but I have a son Angelo's age and this story touched me very personally. I promise that any contributions will go directly to the care and benefit of Angelo Mendoza Jr.
Sincerely,
Devon Cox
devon <dot> cox <atsign> gmail <period> com
- Discuss in the forums <—Chime in on our discussion of bank account set up and other issues
- Recent posts
Post your comments on the site here. You can just post a brief note about your well wishes for Angelo, or whatever you'd like to say. Please also include your name and where you're from, like the following:
Devon Cox, Denver, CO - I hope that people find this site useful, and that it helps them contribute towards it's goal of helping Angelo
My name is Brandi Crump and I live in Panama City, Florida. When I first heard of this story my heart went out to this little boy for the mental and physical abuse he most likely experienced in the past and this traumatizing situation he is in now. Parents are suppose to be there to protect their children not produce pain and heartache to them. No matter what, I want Angelo Mendoza Jr. and all children in situations of abuse to know they are loved and we are all here for them!
http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x140305380/Doctors-weigh-in-on-future-of-blinded-boy
Also the court hearing from Angelo Mendoza Sr has been moved to Friday May 29th.
Thank you Devon for starting this site to help little Angelo. After suffering his horrific tragedy, Angelo needs a miracle to receive a gift of 'eyes' and regain his sight.
Perhaps your website might be the first step.
Maria Poon, Singapore
My name is Cindy and I am from Austin, TX. I got a website from the hospital where Angelo was treated. This is a local charity set up for him. www.imforeverchanged.com
I too have a son his age. I can't count the tears I have cried for this little boy. I wish I could have him for myself to love and give lots of hugs and kisses. He is so beautiful. What a sad little life.
Thank you Devin for starting this page, I also live in Denver, CO.
Let me know if there is anything I can help you with. Michelle
Hello all
I am glad to see that so many people are interested in helping Angelo.
Let us continue to update this forum with new information and ideas on how to help him.
YES, I completly agree and have been in close contact with Devon trying to get the legal issue worked out. I have put in a request with a local not-for-profit organization and awaiting their respose to let us use them for the donations. This will allow us to start a bank account and legally take donation and get the word out to the public on where the account is and account number. I will keep all updated on if they will agree to get involved. My heart goes out to this little boy and love how everyone is starting to get involved.
Thank you Brandi! I also would like to help, let me know. Michelle
http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/BreakingNewsTeam/45135
Hi—
I am writing from Los Angeles. Here is some recent news from today.
http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x34165652/Dad-who-allegedly-bit-out-sons-eye-makes-first-courtroom-appearance
My name is Leslie. I am a registered nurse in Asheboro, NC. I have witnessed many horrible things through my line of work, but I would say that this tops the list. This little boy has touched me deeply as he reminds me of my two sons at this age. He is very beautiful. May God bless him and help him heal, both physically and emotionally, from the atrocities inflicted upon him by one of his most trusted adults.
Dott99,
Thanks for posting that link. I was wondering how today went but was unable due to work to research the web.
Thank you Matt and Anne for your recent donations!!
I appreciate the other comments here, because the world is such a big place, sometimes it seems individuals are lost. This is such a tragic story but I believe with the right people helping this little boy, he will regain his sight and he will be placed with a loving family. I will do what I can.
This story really made me hurt. Im a 37 yr old father and my son is 5yrs old. My wife and I cant stop thinking about what happened. Little Angelo is living in the dark now sitting and waiting for someone to help him see again. ( I pray that someday he will see again). I cant imagine what he is going though. Kids that age are sometimes scarred of the dark because they think theres monsters in the dark.. Now he lives in the dark and the last monster he saw was his so called father. The damage caused is just unimaginable.
Now he cant see his friends, classmates, watch Spongebob, play with his toys, draw a picture, see his teacher , play catch, swing at a baseball or be a child. Kids look up to there parents and all they want is to give love and be loved. We will be giving a donation soon..
Hi
Thank you for starting this site.
It is wonderful that so many people care about Angelo jr. It was such a terrible thing that happened to him. I have a 18 month old boy myself and can't imagine how anyone could hurt their own child. Parents are there to protect their kids.
Please keep the website updated. It would be great to know how Angelo jr is going. I will help out with donations.
I think that this story is very heartbreaking. But, I don't think people should rush to judgment. My grandmother lives two houses from Angelo's family. She said that she often seen his father walking him to the bus stop and playing with him. She described Angelo's dad as loving and his primary care giver. He clearly loved his son dearly. She also said that the only drug Mendoza Sr. was on was prescription drugs. Please keep this family in your prayers.
Also, Angelo's family that lived a couple of houses away took all of his father’s furniture and belonging and sold them as soon as Mendoza was locked up. Please make sure whoever has responsibility of Angelo's trust fund that they are looking in his best interest.
Marie,
If you take a look at this site, no one is passing judment on Baby Angelo's Father.
As a mother of 3, I am never going to understand how he could of hurt his
little boy. I can't count how many tears I shed for Baby Angelo and his father and
in regards to his family, what can we expect they where never there for
Baby Angelo. I read the other day, where Angelo SR said he was sorry
and to tell his son that his daddy did not take his medication http://www.kget.com/news/local/story/Blinded-Boy-Dad-Tell-him-I-love-him/sOuiOELnoUm2bhQsHhmJwg.cspx?rss=91. This is why I am so glad Devon and Brandi are here for this site.
Michelle
Michelle Denver, Co
New story by Steve Swenson: http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x838743688/Child-fund-may-soon-be-set-up
sounds like things are still moving slowly, but some progress is being made..
All of this is great information and I trust that everything will work out. I thank everyone for helping and want all to continue. The more we do the more little baby Angelo will get! I am still out of work due to a family emergency but as soon as I get back to work I will be following up with two churches and Devon.
What has happened to little Angelo Mendoza is proof that the law and CPS are not doing enough to protect children whose parents have a history of drug use. I have read someone's comment in another website claiming that CPS does not have a crystal ball and, therefore, cannot tell which drug user is about to harm their child. However, CPS cannot be excused for that reason. CPS knows that (1) Angel Mendoza Sr. has a history of using PCP, (2) that PCP is a potent drug known to cause hallucinations and violence against others and (3) Angel Mendoza Sr. is the sole caregiver of 4-year-old Angelo Mendoza. Based on what it knows, CPS should have been compelled to perform periodic suprise drug tests on Angel Mendoza Sr. If he fails the drug test, his son will be taken away from him. Laws have to be changed to make it illegal for anyone who fails a drug test for certain drugs (like PCP and other drugs that can cause the user to commit violent acts against others) to be the caregivers of children. In this case, the law has failed little Angelo Mendoza; CPS has failed little Angelo Mendoza. What can we do to prevent this from happening to another child?
I can't stop think about Baby Angelo, so I decided to start emailing all my
friend and family members asking them to visit the site, I figured they can
come and see what a wonderfull thing we have going here. Thanks everyone
for all your comments! Michelle
Angelo can see!
Child allegedly blinded by father regains sight in remaining eye
By STEVE E. SWENSON | Thursday, Jun 04 2009 11:33 PM
Angelo Mendoza Jr., the 4-year-old whose eyes were allegedly maimed by his father, has regained partial eyesight, a source familiar with his condition said Thursday.
The boy can see out of his damaged but intact right eye and his vision is expected to improve, the source said.
He is getting regular care from an ophthalmologist and his eye is healing, the source said.
The left eye was bitten out by his father, 34-year-old Angelo Vidal Mendoza, Bakersfield police reported.
The father is awaiting further court proceedings on charges of mayhem, torture and child cruelty.
The Mendoza boy is in a foster home pending a decision on custody.
An unknown number of relatives of the boy are seeking custody, according to his uncle, 26-year-old Jesse Rosas, who is also seeking custody.
In the meantime, the boy is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances, the source said.
Counseling has also been set up for the child, the source said.
A limited amount of information is available on the boy because of confidentiality restrictions in the Child Protective Services system, the source said.
Police reports say the boy was attacked and blinded on April 28 by his wheelchair-bound father.
Minutes later, the father left his apartment, went to a nearby vacant backyard and cut up his own legs with an ax and a broken ceramic plate, police said.
Mendoza tried to make it appear that gang members attacked him, police reports say.
The father was paralyzed by a knife attack four years ago during a robbery attempt, his family has said.
IT'S A BLOODY MIRACLE!!!
Thanks be to God! This has to be one of the best news i've heard! Thank
you Claudia.
Michelle
this is the best news possible! i've cried so many tears for little angelo out of unabated sorrow; now i'm crying again, only this time it's tears of absolute joy! all the people on this website and beyond have dynamically demonstrated there is so much goodness still thriving in this crazy and oftentimes sick world. God showed Himself clearly in the love, support and good hearts that joined this cause. and we're not done. thank you. thank you. thank you. this news is just too good!
love to angelo!
greg
That's so fantastic! I'm so glad Angelo can see again - I can't believe it! The earlier reports made it sound like that was an impossibility.
Now we can continue with our efforts to get cosmetic surgery, toys, donations, counseling and help to Angelo with the knowledge that he's not living in darkness - it such a relief to know that he is not completely blind!
Devon
This is very good news and a relief. It does seem that he is getting good care at his foster home.
A special thanks to everyone who has kept Angelo in there prayers.
Whatever you ask for in Prayer with faith you will receive.
Matthew 21:22
Michelle
There are so many people in this world who openly do ill to others and refuse to admit it,
or even percieve that they have erred in any fashion whatsoever.
You, sir, with your words of love and regret to your son, spoken to the detective who
interviewed you, and in full awareness of the awful deed you committed…you have
earned redemption and forgiveness from me.
There is hard work ahead of you.
May my words give you strength for the times to come.
Wow, it takes a really strong person to forgive that man for what he has done. I on the other hand have decided to not think about the father and give all my focus and attention to baby Angelo. I have been spreading the word about him to everyone I know. I have been collecting toys for him in the hopes of him getting them soon. I've had so much trouble with all this ever since it happened. I have cried myself to sleep almost every night thinking about him. We got him the book on CD "Runaway Bunny" and my son and I went to Build a Bear and made a stuffed bunny for him with a heart beat in it. It helped me so much. I hope someday he may have these things and it makes him feel better too. Oh, and I have been collecting money from people too. I can't wait for them to have a trust set up, until then I'm gonna keep on collecting!
I am SO HAPPY to hear that he is able to see out of his right eye. This is the hugest news ever. I love this webesite… I call it my "support group"even though this is my first posting. I feel like this is my shoulder to cry on, because you all feel the same pain, and have the same drive which is to HELP THIS CHILD! Anyone going to the fundraiser this weekend in Bakersfield? Or how about emailing Dr. Phil. He does a lot of stories about foster care, and CASA.
I'm keeping him in my thoughts every minute. I wish this little one knew how many people out there were thinking of him and praying for him. We love you Angelo, keep on healing. xoxoxoxo
Anyone thought of making T-shirts with a picture of him on it and some websites to contribute to?? I would buy, and wear one!
From the reporter who broke the story that Angelo can see:
Reporters rarely get to see people react to their stories.
Crime reporter and author Edna Buchanan has said the all-time great reaction to a good news story is a man yelling out to his wife, "My God, Martha, did you see this?"
The story in today's paper about how 4-year-old Angelo Mendoza, who police reported was blinded when his father allegedly maimed his eyes, has regained his sight produced audible reactions in the newsroom.
Mostly it was a sudden inhalation of air followed by mixture of relief and joy. One reporter said the good news made up for a lot of bad news in her life recently. An editor said he felt goosebumps.
And that's because they and so many other people really care about Angelo. They want him to get better, to cope and grow up to be a fine person. In a story with so much tragedy, some good news flooded our emotions.
It was nice to hear.
Posted by Steve e. Swenson
http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/BreakingNewsTeam/45730
It was wonderful to hear that Angelo jr might have some vision in his right eye. Best thing that i have heard in a long time. I hope he is doing well.
Anyone else having trouble accessing the Forever Changed website at www.foreverchanged.com and Baby Angel site at babyangel.moonfruit.com. ?
Connie,
I tried to access the Forever Changed website several times over the weekend with no luck. I wanted to see how they are progressing with the fundraiser.
I hope Angelo is doing well. I think of him all the time.
Wanda
We have the account set up! We are in the final stages of finalizing the trust. It has been a difficult, rough road trying to accomplish this task. We have the account set up with Wells Fargo. You can step into any wells fargo branch and ask to donate to 'The Baby Angel Fundraiser'. I really love the way our nation has pulled together to help support Angel. Jesse has shared with me many times that he is amazed on the impact of this event! He is happy that such a horrible thing can be turned in to such a great thing! Currently our site is down, and has been all weekend. I dont know why and it is soooo frustrating! I am going to call first thing monday morning to get it worked out! We want to thank you all for your support!! The fundraiser is still a go! We also wanted to announce that we have raised almost $5000.00 on our website alone. We have also had a local club called the 20/30 club tell us today that they are going to make a donation close to $2000. They are having a board meeting about it today and are going to get back to us! Please email me if you would like to be added to our mailing list! We will keep you updated! We will also have pictures of the event for your viewing pleasure. The event is so close! The 14th is just around the corner. Keep checking back on our site. The problem will be fixed soon!
We sincerely thank you,
Forever Changed
Billy Punt- President
I thought that you might also like to see this!
Written by Steve Swenson of The Bakersfield Californian
Angelo Mendoza Jr., the 4-year-old whose eyes we
re allegedly maimed by his father, has regained partial eyesight, a source familiar with his condition said Thursday.
The boy can see out of his damaged but intact right eye and his vision is expected to improve, the source said.
He is getting regular care from an ophthalmologist and his eye is healing, the source said.
The left eye was bitten out by his father, 34-year-old Angelo Vidal Mendoza, Bakersfield police reported.
The father is awaiting further court proceedings on charges of mayhem, torture and child cruelty.
The Mendoza boy is in a foster home pending a decision on custody.
An unknown number of relatives of the boy are seeking custody, according to his uncle, 26-year-old Jesse Rosas, who is also seeking custody.
In the meantime, the boy is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances, the source said.
Counseling has also been set up for the child, the source said.
A limited amount of information is available on the boy because of confidentiality restrictions in the Child Protective Services system, the source said.
Police reports say the boy was attacked and blinded on April 28 by his wheelchair-bound father.
Minutes later, the father left his apartment, went to a nearby vacant backyard and cut up his own legs with an ax and a broken ceramic plate, police said.
Mendoza tried to make it appear that gang members attacked him, police reports say.
The father was paralyzed by a knife attack four years ago during a robbery attempt, his family has said.
Having lived in Bakersfield for most of my life, I have little faith in our local Child Protective Services. Sadly our little Angel will probably be in the system for many years waiting for his parents to get out of jail. He may end up back in the custody of these horrible people once again. CPS in Kern County has a very bad record of returning children to terrible people. CPS is very slow to react to reports of abuse, their goal is to reunite the family. Wake up people, some children should never be reunited with their low life families. How many times does our community have to live through this before CPS and the courts open their eyes and quit putting our children into drug infested homes. There should be no family members given any rights to the child. His uncle is trying to get custody, where was he before this happened? Why didn't he fight for custody before his brother attacked Angel? He had to have known this child was in a bad situation, why didn't he hire an attorney and fight to get the child away from these lowlife parents before this tragedy? I don't think this young man is mature enough in his mid twenties to take on the care and needs of a child with the problems Angel will have in the future.
Hi all, I have some updates:
On Friday I heard:
-Greg’s e-mail with doctor information was provided to Angelo’s aunt who is meeting with Angelo’s case worker
- Extended family members visited with Angelo and reported he looked good.
My attorney contact might not work out, but both Greg and Brandi are working on options as well and we'll keep you posted.
Devon
I can't even express how happy I am that Angelo will have some vision back. It will never make up for what he has suffered, but at least he may not have to live with a constant reminder of it. I hope that whatever money/resources are collected can be used to get the finest treatments for him and give him a chance for a better life as he grows. Most of all, I hope he will be able to see well enough to live a mostly normal childhood, and that he is able to be placed with a family who will love and care for him in a way that he and all children deserve.
Dear Angelo,
I pray that one day, you will be able to see this poem that I want to
dedicate to you.
Above the Bright Blue Sky
~Albert Midlane
There's a Friend for little children
Above the bright blue sky,
A Friend who never changes
Whose love will never die;
Our earthly friends may fail us,
And change with changing years,
This Friend is always worthy
Of that dear name he bears.
There's a home for little children
Above the bright blue sky,
Where Jesus reigns in glory,
A home of peace and joy;
No home on earth is like it,
Nor can with it compare;
And everyone is happy,
Nor could be happier there.
With Love,
Michelle
Denver, Co
Michelle,
That is a touching poem and I also hope one day he can read it. Brought tears to my eyes. I continue to prey for baby Angelo as well as trying to get a lawyer to help us get the legal paperwork needed.
Michelle,
The poem is beautiful. I hope one day he will know how many lives he has touched. He's definitely touched mine. I still think about him all the time. I wish we had more information on how he's doing. I hope and pray he's in a very loving home.
Wanda
Greg, Brandi and I have been researching trusts, bank accounts and non-profits. It's all very complicated, and it seems like we're at a point where we need to start spending some money on setting up these things if we want to move forward.
I just tried to contact Billy at forever changed to ask if they could give us a copy of the trust document. My feeling is that if they can provide this, we can run it by our lawyer contacts and see if it protects Angelo's interests and no one else can benefit from the money. If it meets that criteria, I would be inclined to donate the money collected here to that fund.
What do you guys think?
Devon! Thank you for placing the page in Spanish. I promise to continue
to translate the page and get our Hispanic community involved. Para todas
las personas que esten viendo esta pagina, ahora esta en español, porfavor agan
una sugerencia o pongan un comentaria es nuestro foro.
Gracias, Michelle
Hello Everyone,
I don’t know what is going on, but let’s get those comments in! Let's
Show Baby Angelo our support! I wanted to ask for some opinions, I
wanted to get a car wash started to raise so funds to donate. I've been reading
about having these can be very successful especially if I get some good
companies to donate coupons if I let them know what the cause is. Just
an idea that I have been brainstorming, let me know what you think?
Michelle
I think a car was is a great idea. I have been spending most of my time trying to come up with ideas for a bank account and not for profit status. I am running into so many road blocks which become disapointments. I had an idea for a way to apply for the 5019c) not for profit status but Devon and I are wondering if we would bite off more than we can chew. I will post my email to him shortly to see if anyone else is interested or has ideas.
Below is the email I sent to Devon and after some brainstorming back and forth we are not sure if this might be too much for us to handle. I am willing to do the leg work but need Devon and at least one other to be on the bylaws with us along with finding a lawyer to at least review it for us. In the email I had an attachment of an example articles for a not for profit company.
Just call me when you have time tomorrow. I have an idea for the not-for-profit organization we can start without having to get a lawyer. Below is an example of how we can write the articles with you and me as the main directors. We can add others if they are interested but may make it too complicated. Then after the articles are complete we can file for a tax id number. Once all of that is done we can apply for that 501(c) maybe with a mission statement like "helping one child at a time" Angelo Mendoza Jr can be our poster child. If the 501(c) is approved then we would just want to at least like twice a year give a small donation to someone or an organization not related to him(such as abused children, foster care system, etc.) and document EVERYTHING. This is just a way I thought we could get past the other issues we were facing. I do not mind completing all the paperwork then sending to you for your signature(will have to be notarized) then sending in for approval. The only thing is I am not sure how much all of this will cost so maybe we can split or see if anyone else is interested in helping. Just to do the articles are free but to file with the state will most likely be like 30.00 to 60.00 and then registration with the state is like 50.00. Not sure how much the 501(c) application cost if anything. The example form below, we would input our organization name and other information pertaining to us.
Your thoughts?
I'm writing from New England. I am so glad that there is a place to go to read/talk about helping cute little Baby Angelo. I've been so distressed about this story. I thought when I first read it that it can't be true. I am very concerned that somehow one of his relatives will get custody of him. If this could happen under their noses, they can't be trusted with this poor baby who has been through so much. I will save this page to see when a trust is set up. I have been laid off, but I'll give what I can to this precious child. God bless Angelo! It is heart warming that you all care about him so much. It makes me feel better to know that we are not alone in our feelings about this and about the baby.
dear friends of angelo,
believe me, i appreciate the sentiment that says we do not want the family near him, but we might be throwing the baby out with the bathwater. i have cousins i love dearly, but i do not keep close tabs on them; they do much i have no clue about. my point: i'm concerned little angelo is in a 'strange' foster home, hopefully a GOOD AND KIND foster family, but nevertheless strangers, (strange names, voices, family habits, smells, sounds etc., maybe even beliefs etc.). i'm hoping a kind relative can be found, one whom he knows, who he might be accustom to, someone familar that will offer him some sense of familial belonging. he has lost more than eyesight, (and God knows, i hope that is not totally gone), he has also lost any sense of family; he's lost a man called daddy (as evil and disturbed as he might be), he's probably lost a mommy due to her inability to keep her life together. i pray for angelo almost constantly, that he be loved, embraced, showed fun and a world of joy and happiness. but i also pray he finds a loving family member, an uncle or aunt, someone who knows how to love children, and especially has the ability to love angelo, his or her own kin. this tragedy struck a blow at every aspect of his adorable tender life, as i know all of you keenly feel, and i hope and pray (and believe!), that God will address these concerns and rebuild and recreate a family for him.
for angelo always,
greg prout
in my last post i feel i was unclear. my point about not knowing everything about my cousins addresses the complaint of why didn't angelo's relatives didn't step in to help, to rescue angelo before something horrible happened. it's possible they didn't know. busy with their own lives, maybe the true situation was unknown. we just don't everything that goes with EVERYONE in our current family tree. it is also possible there are caring, compassionate and responsible people in angelo's family circle (i sure hope so!) who could step up and embrace him into their own family. i want to be open to this possibility.
I have to agree with Greg. Maybe he does have a decent family member. We can only hope!
I do understand the worry that a family member not being the best fit for this child but I also will have to agree with Greg. I have family members that live in other States or even in the State I live in that I do not know everything about their life. One thing I do know is that if I ever needed to come forth due to a bad or tragic situation I would be there. If something like that were to happen people may feel the same way about me that they have been showing towards Angelo's family. That is what has made me realize that I must keep an open mind and prey he is placed in a loving home no matter if it is family or not because it will become is new family. I sit here and look at my two year old and cannot imagine not seeing him every day of my life, kissing him, looking after him, protecting him, etc. Angelo's mom from what we can see was not there for him, but we are not her and have no idea why she chooses to be that way. Even though I am very upset with Angelo's mother and father I also prey for them at night to get better so they will not hurt anyone else again. This poor boy not only is having issues with sight but has lost a father and a mother. He now must rely on family members or a complete stranger to love and care for him. That in my heart is too much for a four year old child to deal with.
The web page is WWW.imforeverchanged.COM
Hello. My name is Joni. I am from Virginia. I am so happy to hear he has gained some vision back. I am just blown away by this whole situation. I can't digest it, and never will. I will be going to Wells and Fargo to place what donation I can. I just pray that you caring individuals keep on keeping on. My views are somewhat harsh when it comes to the family, so I cannot say how I feel about his family getting rights to him. Senseless tradegy that any normal family member could have detected. My opinion. Just want to say thanks for taking the time to help someone as precious as this little boy.
Hi
This is the latest information that i have found on Angelo Mendoza and the Forever Changed fundraider. Thought people might be interested.
http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/BreakingNewsTeam/46115
http://babyangel.moonfruit.com/#/your-thoughts/4533823758
Forever Changed 2009.6.17 04:55
Hello all!
Thank you guys so much for your support! I really do believe that God is listening and answering our prayers! The Event we had this past weekend was awesome! It went by really smooth and we raised just under $19,000.00!!!. I would definately say that it was a job well done!
I work full time so please forgive me for getting little behind at times! Baby Angel has been our priority since we heard the news. We have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 10 am, with our lawyers to talk about the "set up" of our non-profit and the trust fund. The account at Wells Fargo is a benifit fund specifically for angel. There is an accountant that is managing the money, but is not a signer on the account. There are a total of 2 signers on the account. There are also a total of 5 people monitoring the account plus the backing of our lawyers. Not to mention the accountability of the nation that is showing Baby Angel support keeps us in line. Not that there should be any worries but humans are humans. That is why we have taken these accountability measures. I listed the amount so that everyone knows what we have! Everyone can see how much they are helping! Thank you guys!
http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x1641882583/Photos-Man-who-allegedly-bit-out-sons-eye-caught-on-camera
http://beta.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/22871/
I am not too sure why there is still some question about the trust. Devon, we have the information you may need. There is already a fund set up for Angel through Wells Fargo. We have raised just under $25,000.00. I would hope that the funds you get from your website would go to it, otherwise where would they go? I really appreciate your help in this matter. I have not received any emails from you or phone calls. I hope you have the right contact info for me… You can find it all on our website… We are currently working with lawyers to have our tax exempt status set up. When you become a public benifit corporation you have to register with the Secretary of State, Report income to the IRS, Consult with lawyers, Accountants and Tax Advisors. There is a lot of accountability involved with this process…if at any time you have any question about our integrity please feel free to ask.
BrandiCrump-
The total cost to start you non-profit is going to be close to $1000.00. We are already doing this for Baby Angel. It would be a lot of trouble to set up an additional fund for him. You are more than welcome to, dont get me wrong….I just thought I would let you know…. The cost is excluding lawyer fees. The lawyers are doing this pro bono. You do need a lawyer to help you out with the paperwork. You also need article of incorporation, a meeting of minutes, by-laws, board members and directors.
Kerrin and Greg-
We have t-shirts available…we sold over 260 at our event. A side note….Jesse is Baby Angels Uncle…he is one of many "decent" family members that are fighting for custody. There was definately one bad apple..ok include the careless mother and you have two..but dont let it lead you to believe that they are all bad. Scroll through this page and you can find news stories on it. Also Read Below….
Joni Stevenson-
I am trying to not get upset when people say bad things about the family, when people say that any family member should have detected this. There is no way that it was possible. There is an exception to the mother however. If you read the stories about the relationship between Baby Angel and his father, then one would know that this was very unexpected. The mother should have done something when her son (Baby Angel) told her that he did not want to go with his dad. SHE could have prevented this. I really want everyone to understand that NOBODY ELSE expected this. Its not like it was a gradual thing that built up over time. This just came like a thief in the night.
if anyone has any questions please feel free to call me personally @ 661-431-9937 or email us at moc.degnahcreverofmi|ofnilegnaybab#moc.degnahcreverofmi|ofnilegnaybab
Thanks, Billy.
We will go to the Wells Fargo and ask for the Baby Angel fund.
I cant stop thinking about this boy and how he suffered that night that his father tortured him. No innocent child deserves to be near such a monster. I hope that he can see out of the other eye, and that the family that adopts him treats him well. Can I donate money in person here in Long Beach California?
Malena,
There is going to be another fundraiser for Baby Angel, Sunday August 9th. This one's in Santa Clarita; it might be a good opportunity for you to donate in person. I went to the one in Bakersfield and it was great to see all the people out there supporting little Angel.
http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/BreakingNewsTeam/46371
Hello Billy,
May god bless you! you are a great person.
Michelle
Devon, I just want to thank you for starting this website, you really helped all of us in finding a place where we could meet to talk about Angelo's well being and help somehow, I don't think I'll stop checking on him for the rest of my life. I also want to thank everyone from imforeverchanged it was a beautiful thing to see all those riders for dear Angelo. If I could say something about us collectively is that we should start caring about others, we are so busy running our lives that we forget about others and maybe we assume that someone else will do it, not necessarily with money but a simple hello, or smile or how can I help? We need not be naive but caring. Thank you all.
http://www.katu.com/news/national/49111786.html
News updated on Angelo's Father.
Hello all! Sorry I have not been on lately but work sent me out of town and was without a computer for a while. I am still so broken hearted about this little boy and hope his father can not ever hurt anyone like this again. I also hope the father gets the help needed to overcome any issues he may have. I just hope one day baby Angelo knows how many people have been praying for him!
At a point in time in the future, I would like to donate some, time, funds or something…anything. I have been thinking about this Angelo for a while now. http://www.myspace.com/nathanphotography please keep me updated also at my regular moc.liamg|80ellivV#moc.liamg|80ellivV Perhaps I can add a link on my facebook page too.
Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to check in and also let Angelo know that he is always is and will be
in my prayers. I read this earlier today and though of Baby Angel.
'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better.
Concentrate on this sentence… 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God wi ll not protect you'
To everyone have a great weekend.
Regards,
Michelle
Michelle,
That is a great saying and it makes me think of his situation too. I hope one day we will get to find out more about his well being. I just keep wondering what he could possibly be thinking about this whole thing and how hard it must be on him and his day to day activities. We love you baby Angelo!
I saw this article about a lady who is organizing a car wash for Baby Angel.
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ken/news/50647922.html
It's nice to know there are so many people who care. I wonder how he is doing and how his vision is progressing.
There is something called regenerative science, so I KNOW ANGEL WILL SEE AGAIN. YOU ALL NEED TO WATCH THIS. I had a dream about an angel dropping dust into Angel's eyes and his eyes regenerating because of it. This is amazing, because they are describing the same technology here and it is REAL, and just around the corner for eyesight:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=3805459n&tag=related;photovideo
Hello Everyone!
Just wanted to update everyone on Baby Angels website, it is know under this site http://www.ourbabyangel.com/. Have a happy weekend and
may godbless you all! Brandi, thank you for all your kind words.
Michelle
Angelo you are always in my prayers corazon.
here is a news update on the lady in Kent who had a fund raiser for Angelo http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ken/news/51254457.html .
If anybody in Denver,CO is interested I am going to start a fund raiser of my own. Have a great day, Michelle
The latest on that scumbag, Angelo Sr
http://www.bakersfield.com/news_alerts/x212154425/Doctor-rules-man-who-allegedly-bit-out-sons-eye-not-competent-to-stand-trial-judge-orders-second-opinion
Does anyone know Angelo's birthday? I would like to help coordinate sending him some birthday presents on his birthday. I will see if I can find it out, and see if there's a way to relay the presents to him.
Thanks to everyone for continuing to post and keep us updated on new info!
Devon
That is a great idea, I would also like to send something to him. I would also like to send something for Christmas too.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The man accused of biting out his 4-year-old son's eyes will not stand trial.
A Kern County Superior Court judge ruled Tuesday that Angelo Mendoza is not mentally competent for trial. County mental health officials will recommend whether Mendoza should go to a county or state mental health facility.
The 34-year-old man is accused of attacking his son, Angelo Mendoza Jr., in late April. The child, who was discovered by a neighbor lying naked in a bloody heap on the floor of an Ohio Drive apartment, told officers, "My daddy ate my eyes," and, "Daddy bit my eyes and hands," according to Bakersfield police reports.
Mendoza is in a wheelchair with a spinal cord injury, and police said he rolled away from his apartment after the alleged attack and started hacking away at his leg with an ax. Police reported that Mendoza was showing signs of being under the influence of the psychedelic drug best known as PCP or angel dust during the alleged abuse.
Criminal proceedings have been delayed multiple times because Mendoza was reportedly in poor medical condition and uncommunicative.
The first doctor to examine Mendoza for mental competency determined last month that he would be mentally competent to stand trial if he was on proper medication. Another psychiatrist was appointed after the July 23 hearing, leading to Tuesday's ruling.
Charges of mayhem, torture, child cruelty and inflicting injury upon a child have been put on hold. A person in Mendoza's situation would typically be re-evaluated on a regular basis to determine if they're mentally sound enough to face charges, according to the public defender's office.
Mendoza is scheduled to return to court Sept. 22.
http://www.2news.tv/news/national/54795332.html
Forever Changed 2009.8.28 14:15
Hello all! Sorry we have not updated the site in a while! I have been sending out emails to everyone with updates. If you would like to be added to our mailing list please email us to let us know, @ moc.degnahcreverofmi|ofni#moc.degnahcreverofmi|ofni. Angelo is doing very well! As I have said before, he acts like every other little boy. It is awesome to see him running around and playing! I have personally seen in him on three different occasions, and he appears very normal. He does have a prosthetic eye now and it looks great! He is a very good looking boy! The Uncle, Jesse Rosas was awarded custody of Baby Angel tuesday of this last week. Here at Forever Changed, we have been praying that this would happen!Thank God! Then, the current care giver decided that she felt it was better for Angelo to live with her. So, She filed a grievance and the court hearing is today! I will let you know the out come! I believe that there is a very very good chance that Jesse will remain the custody holder. Thank you all for your support!
That is great news that he is doing good. I am gladd that he has been giving the loving care he needs and deserves. Yes, please keep us updated with the court hearing!!!!
I'm sp glad to hear he is doing well. Can you give us an update about his vision in his right eye? At the Santa Clarita fundraiser I heard he had only a small amount of peripheral vision. Is this accurate and is there any chance of that improving?
Hi everyone, I have a couple updates that may be of interest. First Greg was in touch with Billy Punt from forever changed who reiterated what Oswald said above, but also that Angelo seems to have full sight in his remaining eye - which is great!
Billy was kind enough to post the contributors from this site on the Moonfruit site, and also gave me Angelo's Birthday - its December 1st.
Birthday and Christmas presents can be mailed to: P.O. Box 1734, Bakersfield Ca, 93302. It might be fun to coordinate a big present for Angelo - if you're interested post here and we'll figure it out.
Also, if you want to donate cash, you can do so at Wells Fargo as mentioned above. When I went they had a bit of a hard time locating the fund - if you are interested in donating, try asking about the "benefit for Angel Mendoza" located in California, and that should bring up the account.
Hope you're all doing well, and I'm looking forward to picking some presents out in december :)
Devon
Devon,
This is all great news and I will also be sending some presents for his birthday and christmas. Remember I work for Wachovia Bank, which is in the process of merging with Wells Fargo so I can help locate the account if need be. Let me know about the big present because I would be interested in pitching in.
Thanks to all.
regarding little angelo, please count me in when it comes to birthday and christmas presents. maybe i'foreverchanged can provide us with some good ideas for gifts.
thank you, devon, and everyone who cares about angelo.
The fact that Angelo seems to have full sight in his remaining eye is the best news I've heard in a long time. Made my day!
What about enough Disneyland money for Angel, and his caretakers to go!!! That would be cool, I think! Maybe if there was enough funds we could sponsor gas, and hotel costs too!
I like that idea!
i too support kerrin's idea. maybe billy punt's organization can help us put that idea together.
I am thrilled to hear about him having full sight in the eye…that is incredible! I think the Disneyland idea sounds awesome…the idea of him having a fun day there just makes me feel so happy. Count me in on helping out.
That is a great idea especially if he's never been. Count me in as well.
I agree the trip sounds like a great idea. Count me in on helping out.
I emailed with Billy from foreverchanged and he is gonna talk to his board members about the Disneyland idea. Yay, yay, yay!!!! I also have a contact from Make A Wish Foundation who gave me a really good lead at Disneyland for special children, and Angel is our special child! I really hope this all works out. Operation Mickey Mouse is underway!
Kerrin
Count me in too. I love that idea. I have a timeshare with Whyndam Vacation Resorts so maybe they could stay there for free or at least for a discount. I will check and see if there is one near by and what the cost might be. I have use many of these locations and the resorts are soooo nice!
Hello Everyone,
Sorry that I have not been in touch for a long time, I also would love to contibute
to the donation for Baby Angelo to go to Disneyland. I am also so
happy to hear that he has gained vision in his eye. Angelo, you are always
in my prayers and thoughts.
Michelle
Hello to all.
There are some Wyndham Vacation Resorts near Disneyland. So if they do end up doing the trip please let me know and I can check on getting them a 2 bedroom condo for free or very discounted. Of course the time of year depends on the price so when this gets closer to reality let me know if they would like me to check into it.
my work email is moc.aivohcaw|1pmurc.idnarb#moc.aivohcaw|1pmurc.idnarb and home email is TEN.TSACMOC|PMURC.IDNARB#TEN.TSACMOC|PMURC.IDNARB
Angelo Mendoza Sr. who is accused of biting out his son's eye will go to Patton State Hospital for up to three years, a judge ruled Tuesday.
Judge Michael Bush also authorized the San Bernardino hospital to give Mendoza medication even if he refuses to take it.
Mendoza, 34,was declared mentally incompetent to stand trial a month ago. That means doctors ruled he didn't understand the nature of the charges against him and could not help in his defense.
Mendoza is charged with mayhem and torture in the April 28 attack on his 4-year-old son, Angelo Mendoza Jr.
The boy was blinded in both eyes but he regained sight in his right eye within a few weeks.
The boy had been staying in a foster home, but he is now staying with the family of Jesse Rosas, a 26-year-old brother of the defendant.
Angelo Mendoza will stay at Patton State Hospital until he is restored to competency. If that happens, the criminal case will resume.
If he's not restored to competency within three years, he will have annual court hearings on his status that could keep him locked up for the rest of his life.
Or he could be released if a judge rules he is not a substantial danger to others.
Deputy Public Defender Richard Terry has said in court that Mendoza was unable to communicate, possibly due to problems with his medication.
He takes medication for paralysis — a condition he's had for several years after he was stabbed in a robbery attempt — and to control seizures.
http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x746310721/Man-who-bit-out-sons-eye-sent-to-San-Bernardino-mental-hospital
and Disneyland?
I was thinking that this would be a nice bithday/christmas present since Angelo's birthday is so close to christmas. I was thinking we'd start planning this more toward mid november - but if people want to start earlier, that's great. I guess we'd need to find out if Angelo will still be with Jesse Rosas (it sounds like he probably will be) and then contact the family and ask if they are interested in doing the trip to Disneyland, how many people they will have etc.
Linda Myers who has posted here before had been in touch with Jesse's wife and had nice things to say about her. Maybe she would be willing to be a go between - Linda, if you see this message, what do you think. Any one else in contact with the Rosas?
Devon
Hello Everyone,
I think that this is a great idea!! Count me in…
Michelel
I haven't been on this site for some time now and believe strongly this isn't a coincidence that I am on here tonight. Devon has my e-mail if a response is needed in a timely manner. I'll have to read through these posts to see what you all have in mind.
Whatever is sent to the P.O. Box address will go directly to Angelo's aunt and uncle and they have custody at least until January (and hopefully at that time permanently through adoption). Angelo is progressing well in school and wears specially formulated glasses to strengthen the eye that has restored vision. I just spoke with his aunt tonight and she tells me that there are no physical signs on his face of what happened to him- which is such a blessing!
I had the opportunity to speak with Angelo’s aunt this week. The good news is that Angelo has transitioned nicely to living with his aunt, uncle and cousins. It has been a difficult month of transition for the family as Jesse (uncle) has taken a family leave of absence from his position in demonstration of his support to having Angelo join the family permanently.
Since Jesse is the breadwinner, this leave has caused financial stress for the family. While the trip to Disneyland would certainly be fun, perhaps our efforts should be toward acclimating Angelo into being part of his new family. His birthday is coming up and his aunt is planning a party in conjunction with her son (their b-days are both in the same month). Perhaps the best way we might be able to help Angelo is by helping him acclimate to normalcy. If you would like to help with his transition, please consider sending a gift card from Target or Walmart to the P.O. Box 1734 Bakersfield CA 93302 .
My prayer is that Angelo continues to feel comfort and safety in his new stable family and that same stability will help him to deal with his tragedy as time goes on. I hope that he can feel like the normal cute little boy that he is during this time and have the stable, loving foundation he needs in preparation for when he gets older, processes his past and deals with the betrayal he experienced by the closest members of his family.
Thank you Linda. Right now just about everyone is feeling the crunch and jessee and his family sound like a great bunch for all they have done to help Angelo and it feels so much closer in my mind that we can help just by sending a gift card to help them thru especially so close to their bdays and christmas.
hello,
thanks to all the people for constantly thinking about Angelo.I would like to know when his birthday is.Also i know about the gift cards but would it be ok if we send gifts and what address.I think that everyone who found out about Angelo want to know how he is doing,like if he goes to a special kindergarten and if he is happy,we need to know everything so we are not suffering for him.Thanx for reading my comment,i will be waiting for your comment.
I think it's great that our baby angel will celebrate his birthday with his cousin. However I do see a problem! Baby Angel will be flooded with birthday gifts while his cousin will not. Children do not understand these things because they haven't developed their capacity for compassion. No matter how kind and loving the little cousin is he may not be able to accept the fact that he isn't being showered with gifts too. I propose that we send Baby Angel some money that he can use to purchase gifts for his cousin. This should warm both of their little hearts and we should do the same for Jesse's other children. I also would like to send our angel some money that he can use to purchase Christmas gifts for his aunt and uncle and cousins. He would be purchasing their gifts with his own money! That should delight him. Anything we could do to help him through this Christmas should delight us. So Billy Punt if you could arrange a way that we could send him money that would not go into the fund, but could be used for gifts let us know. Should these donations go to you or to Jesse and his wife?
I would also be intrested in sending monetary funds for this little angel . Is there a certain address that we can send them too? I would be sending a walmart giftcard for him to spend anyway he chooses. or whatever his family may need to provide for him. Also was wandering when exactly his birthday is. I am just amazed that he can see. I know God has definately had his hand in this miracle. Thank you for allowing me to be apart. Best wishes to him and his caretakers. My prayers are with you.
Joni
Hello. I just scanned the emails above and found a address to mail gift cards to. Unless it is different from above, I will just use that one. No need to reply. God bless you all. You are amazing people doing amazing things.
Joni
aww,poor thing,i will pray for you everynight….noone deserves that..and as for his mother she should have taken him especially after he said he was scared
Hello everyone. Just wondering if anyone had any trouble sending gifts to this address: P.O. Box 1734 Bakersfield CA 93302. The holidays are here and I am sending a gift card to the Rosas for the holidays. Nothing is really new with Angelo which is probably good since no news is good news. Just wondering what everyone is thinking that's all.
Hello everyone, I'm working on getting a wishlist together for Angelo. I've left a message for Jesse Rosas and hopefully he'll be able to give a list of things Angelo would like. I'm planning on sending a gift or two to that address, but it would be good to send him something he'd really like. I'll keep you posted,
Devon