Eva Longoria’s older sister Liza Longoria joined her as the actor co-hosted TODAY with Jenna & Friends on Jan. 14.
The “Desperate Housewives” star shared a letter she wrote to her older sister and shined a light on her organization Eva’s Heroes, which she founded in 2006 in honor of Liza.
“Growing up with you as a sister has taught me so many things: the importance of inclusion and advocating for the rights of individuals with intellectual special needs,” Eva Longoria said.
Eva’s Heroes is dedicated to enriching the lives of people with intellectual special needs ages 14 and up in the San Antonio area. The heroes experience recreational and socialization opportunities, like drum circles, theater productions, fashion shows and more.
“It helps build confidence and independence,” Eva Longoria said. “And Eva’s Heroes is for life.”
During her interview with Jenna Bush Hager, Liza Longoria shared that at first her sister wanted to be a P.E. coach, but she convinced her to become an actor.
“We owe it all to Liza,” Eva Longoria said with a smile.
Eva Longoria also shared how her sister has shaped her whole family’s lives.
“My mother became a special education teacher because of Liza, my other sister’s a special education teacher,” she said, before sharing the story of how she founded Eva’s Heroes.
“I said, ‘Liza’s my hero.’ And I’m sure other people have heroes in their family,” she said. “I owe everything — my values, my moral compass is because of how we grew up as a family.”
She added that her sister was the first hero, but now there are dozens of others who are involved with her organization — and she was surprised with a video message from some of them.
Eva and Liza Longoria had huge grins on their faces as they watched the heroes describe how their lives had changed because of their involvement with Eva’s Heroes.
“We have the best participants, and we do the best activities,” Eva Longoria said as she wiped tears from her face.
Liza Longoria shared her favorite activities: dancing and acting.
“It’s for everybody in the community,” she said.
“Eva’s Heroes is forever for them,” her sister added.
