A Cuban activist has shed light on the dire circumstances of an elderly woman and her son with Down syndrome, residing in Camagüey. Their situation has become so desperate that the woman has taken to the streets to beg for food.
Guelmi Abdul, who runs a support group for the needy, shared the story of Roger, a young man with Down syndrome, and his mother Gilda, who is over 70 years old, on her Facebook page. "I received news that they had nothing to eat. I won't sugarcoat it—they were starving! To the extent that the woman went out to beg for food," she emphasized.
Thanks to donations from her supporters, Guelmi was able to send the elderly woman and her son three boxes of nutritional baby milk, a large package of chicken, three packs of spaghetti, detergent, and 1,000 pesos. "I thank God and everyone who contributes. Here, I leave their details for anyone who wishes to help them," she added.
The son is named Roger Olivero Nápoles and his mother is Gilda Nápoles Donet. They live at Calle 1ra Paralela #413 between Miguel Ángel Núñez and Alfredo Adán in the La Vigía neighborhood of Camagüey. Their landline phone number is 32 23 52 83 and the mobile number is 50301633.
Guelmi asked Gilda to describe her situation. The elderly woman was so moved that she spoke more about her gratitude for the support group than her hardships. "My son has intestinal problems; he has Down syndrome and is very ill. Proteins are very expensive, and my social assistance income isn't enough for the month," she explained.
"My son is eating thanks to this group. (...) You can see he's thin, he has issues, and he's a child who doesn't leave the house, doesn't interact with anyone, only with his mom," she highlighted.
FAQs on the Struggles of Elderly and Disabled in Cuba
This section addresses common questions concerning the difficulties faced by elderly and disabled individuals in Cuba, particularly those involving access to basic necessities.
What are the main challenges faced by elderly people in Cuba?
Elderly individuals in Cuba often struggle with inadequate social assistance, high costs of essential items like food and medicine, and limited access to healthcare services.
How can the international community assist those in need in Cuba?
The international community can help by providing donations, supporting NGOs and local aid groups like the one run by Guelmi Abdul, and raising awareness about the living conditions in Cuba.
What role do local support groups play in helping the needy in Cuba?
Local support groups are crucial as they provide immediate and direct assistance, including food, medical supplies, and financial help, to those who are most vulnerable.