E.R. Ruiz (Photo – City of Pasadena)
The City of Pasadena recognized E.R. Ruiz as the 2023 recipient of the Robert Gorski Access Award—an award established by the City of Pasadena Accessibility and Disability Commission.
By News Desk
This award is presented annually to a Pasadena resident with a disability who has made a significant contribution toward improving accessibility and quality of life for people in the City of Pasadena’s disabled community. E.R. Ruiz will be honored at the Pasadena City Council meeting on Monday, July 17, 2023, and will be presented an award by the City Council and Accessibility and Disability Commission.
E.R. Ruiz, actor and burn survivor, was born in Los Angeles, California, and his acting career includes the role of Gillon in the F.X. original series Sons of Anarchy in which he played the role of a member of the One-Niners. Most recent projects include BET+’s “The Family Business,” Stephen King’s “Lisey’s Story” on Apple+ and “Worth” with Michael Keaton, directed by Sara Colangelo.
He is the son of Eddy Ruiz Sr. and Mary Mosley, and nephew of Jack Mosley. As a child, Ruiz sustained severe burns to over 40 percent of his body while he was asleep. However, E.R.’s uncle David Mosely (a well–known portrait artist) saved him from the fire. Besides saving his life, E.R. credits his uncle David for his love of the arts and music and his cousin, boxing champion Sugar Shane Mosely for being a fighter in spirit.
E.R. is a hero and an advocate behind the scenes, on the big screen, and in his community for improving accessibility and the quality of life for disabled individuals. E.R. worked as an EMT in the past and has continuously led by example. He has worked with and volunteered for various organizations such as Firefighters Quest for Burn Survivors, World Boxing Council, and Pasadena based Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (AABRF). Ruiz supports the AABRF and participates in their annual programs and events such as the “Burn Firefighters Relay.” He also served as the Emcee to the organization’s 50th Anniversary Virtual Gala.
Ruiz’s community work extends to local government as well, and he participated in a meeting at the City of Pasadena’s Accessibility and Disability Commission to speak about his experiences with services from the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation.
His main goal is to help bridge the gap and spotlight other burn survivors, so they feel seen and heard.
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