In Cárdenas, Matanzas, a devoted mother named Alina dedicates her life to caring for her son, Yaciel, who has lived with cerebral palsy since infancy. This life-altering situation compelled her to abandon her nursing career to meet her son’s extensive needs. Now at 37, Yaciel is entirely reliant on her care.
Christian Arbolaez highlighted their story on Sunday in the “Cardenenses on Facebook” group, shedding light on the dire conditions they endure. Alina and Yaciel reside in a severely deteriorated house located at Obispo 314, between Anglona and Spriu. The walls are crumbling, and both the bathroom and kitchen are in a state of disrepair. Although the roof is still intact, they lack the resources for necessary repairs. Additionally, Yaciel requires his food to be prepared with a blender, and Alina's limited income barely covers their basic needs.
In response, Arbolaez initiated a solidarity campaign aimed at improving their living conditions. The campaign's primary goal is to renovate their home and provide essential items like a blender, a washing machine, and a pressure cooker. It also seeks to offer financial relief to allow Alina to continue her caregiving duties without overwhelming constraints.
Those wishing to assist can contribute from abroad via electronic transfers to contacts set by the organizers, while in Cuba, donations can be made through transfers to a Cuban peso card or by directly contacting the team leading the campaign. Arbolaez urged the public to share this story on social media to broaden its reach, inviting the community to actively engage in this compassionate cause.
This campaign presents a significant opportunity to transform the lives of Alina and Yaciel, who face formidable challenges daily. Solidarity has the power to make a substantial impact, providing them with the essential conditions to live with dignity and hope.
“Cardenenses on Facebook” is one of the most vibrant communities on social media, known for promoting solidarity within the Matanzas region. The group’s administrators not only highlight the local culture and history but also frequently drive humanitarian aid efforts, reinforcing a spirit of mutual support among its members.
Recently, these activists fulfilled the dream of rewarding a woman who has sold peanuts on the streets for 35 years, becoming a cherished figure across generations in the city. Kiryat Poey shared a reel on Facebook capturing the emotional moment when the woman, who sold peanuts at the corner of Vives and Calzada for decades, received the monetary gift.
Supporting Families in Need in Cuba
How can people outside of Cuba contribute to Alina and Yaciel's cause?
Individuals outside of Cuba can make contributions through electronic transfers to contacts specified by the campaign organizers.
What are the primary goals of the solidarity campaign for Alina and Yaciel?
The campaign aims to repair their home and provide essential household items such as a blender, washing machine, and pressure cooker, along with offering financial relief for Alina's caregiving responsibilities.
What role does the “Cardenenses on Facebook” group play in the community?
The group fosters solidarity in the Matanzas region by promoting local culture and history and spearheading humanitarian aid initiatives to support community members in need.