About Us

Who we are?

Bless My Angels – RMB Inc.

OUR STORY

Let’s begin by introducing myself and my family. My name is Joan, the third sister of 6 beginning with Maria, Rosanna, Diana, Marianne & Tina. Maria’s husband is Richard, they have 3 children by the names of Richard, Maria, and Christina, and Christina’s husband Bill; Rosanna’s husband, Jerry; then comes me; followed by Diana and her son, Brian; Marianne and husband Richard, along with daughter Victoria; and finally, Tina and husband Tim – together we are Bless My Angels!

Our story begins with Richard and Maria, born in 1972, and Brian born in 1987. They are mentally challenged with similar and diverse effects. Richard and Maria are siblings living at home and Brian lives in a group home. The three have always been our family’s inspirational angels here on earth. They have kept us on our toes and truly taught us the unconditional meaning of love. Love is patient and kind, keeping us grounded, and reminding us of our purpose towards one another.

Our story develops in 2020, the year the world began to contend with COVID-19. During this time my family was coping with the decline of both our mother’s health and my sister Diana’s health. Diana was active in baking holiday goodies such as Valentine cupcakes, arranging Brian’s birthday parties, and sending goodie bags for the group home to enjoy. Prior to COVID, Brian would be with family for each Christmas and birthday. Brian loves to be with family, loves Christmas the most, and anything that has to do with presents!

There came a time that Diana could no longer do all the things she loved to do for Brian and his group home family. It was Diana’s way of continuing traditions with Brian and to remind him that he is always thought of and loved. Family stepped in to keep this thriving, while Diana continued to facetime Brian between all of her numerous hospital stays.

By the time Brian’s birthday came in July 2020, the restrictions for COVID were not lifted. His birthday was catered and delivered by family, but we could not stay due to the restrictions. Brian was so excited to see us outside the group home and screamed out F A M I L Y! It was followed by a second and questionable shout, CHRISTMAS? It was July, we had time, and we were hoping that restrictions would lift before the holiday season, and sadly, they did not! In addition, we became aware on Brian’s birthday that most of the residents have little or no family, and remain at the group home for the holidays.

At first, it was complicated for Brian to understand having to stay at the group home for Christmas, as he anxiously wanted to just go home and visit with his mom. Diana reassured him Christmas will be terrific! Family will be visiting Christmas morning to bring all of his presents from the entire family, and Diana was present facetiming with Brian throughout the morning events!

With all the unfairness of COVID, it would have been unfair to drop-off Brian’s Christmas gifts to be opened in front of his group home family – it was then when we realized that we had to do something!

Our dilemma turned out to be our purpose and the birth of BLESS MY ANGELS – RMB Inc. We were struggling for a name in order to begin fundraising, and in conversation my sister Maria referred to her two children Richie and Maria along with Brian as our angels. Maria expressed, “endowing blessings of joy to others is blessing Richie, Maria, and Brian.” The conversation couldn’t have delivered a clearer message giving us the name, ‘Bless My Angels’. We knew it would be perfect!

Before our third year of fundraising rolled around, Diana passed away. This left Brian without his mom that he always looked for and loves so much. After losing Diana, we understood our mission must continue in Diana’s memory, and to ensure our goal reaches out to other group homes.

Our story continues with you, and together we can bless all our angels with the love that brought us here to make a difference together!

Joan Cardona
Director, BMA