CARLSBAD — Hospice of the North Coast (HNC) will feature inspirational speaker, Alex Montoya, at its “Light Up A Life (LUAL) memorial celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Museum of Making Music, 5790 Armada Drive. The event is free but pre-registration is recommended and available at [email protected] or by calling (760) 431-4100.LUAL is intended to comfort and uplift people who are grieving the loss of a loved one by enabling them to celebrate their memory and light a candle in their honor. Triumphing over obstacles has been a lifelong mission for keynote speaker Montoya, Manager of Latino Affairs for the San Diego Padres. An acclaimed motivational author and gifted speaker, he will address the topic, “Reaching the Finish Line – Together.” He also will sign copies of his books, “Swinging for the Fences,” and the newly published “The Finish Line,” at the event.
Montoya, a Colombian immigrant, surmounted many obstacles to achieve the American Dream as well as his personal dream of working in major league baseball. Living his entire life with prosthetics has not deterred him from accomplishing such feats as completing several endurance races, including participation on San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon relay teams. He is a recipient of several honors, including Access to Independence’s Lead On Award for leadership in the disability community. The San Diego Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recently honored him with the Hispanic Achievement Award for Lifetime Commitment to the Hispanic Community.
Montoya credits his success to “a strong will, perseverance and a lot of laughter.”
HNC Executive Director Nerice Kaufman said, “Having the Museum of Making Music as our host venue plus music by the Threshold Choir and our Publicity and Events Manager, Yvette Williams, will hit all the high notes for a heartfelt memorial that celebrates those who have passed and lights the way for those of us who continue on our life’s path. Being able to share in Alex’s extraordinary journey is a perfect way to enter the holiday season. I’m sure that his inspirational message will motivate all who attend to set goals for the new year to hit a home run in their personal ‘game’ of life.”
Nonprofit Hospice of the North Coast was established in 1980 to fill the need for comprehensive, compassionate hospice care in North County San Diego. Since its inception, it has grown in services, staff and clients. It currently provides a full spectrum of programs to terminally ill clients and their families, including anticipatory and post-death bereavement support, as well as a Pathways Program for those with a declining chronic disease.
