A video posted by the Cuban influencer Dairon Cano (@dairon_cano_aguila) has touched thousands of people on social media by showcasing the testimony of Yasleidy Martínez, a Cuban mother living in Tampa, Florida, who managed to reunite her entire family in the United States after years of hard work.
In the video, recorded while driving, Yasleidy -who worked "for a few years as a construction helper"- shares that she arrived in the country a decade ago, without speaking English and willing to make any sacrifice. “I almost stopped breathing. There were difficult days, where you would just take a bottle of water, eat a little piece of bread, and go to sleep to start working again the next day,” she said, and listed the seven family members she brought from Cuba: her nephew, her younger son, her older daughter, her two granddaughters, her mother, and her father. They all live with her under the same roof.
The story doesn't end there. Thanks to her efforts and those of her children, the family opened a medical clinic where they all work together. Her daughter graduated as a psychologist, her youngest son is in high school, and several are studying nursing. Yasleidy also obtained U.S. citizenship after studying for and passing the exam in English, although she claims she still doesn't master the language because she hasn't had the time to learn it. “Everything is what you set out to accomplish in life,” she stated proudly.
The users' reaction has been overwhelming. In less than 24 hours, the video surpassed ten thousand likes and received an avalanche of comments filled with admiration, support, and recognition. Many people shared similar experiences, while others expressed their gratitude directly to Yasleidy for welcoming them upon their arrival in the country. Some testimonies were particularly moving, like that of a woman who admitted to crying upon hearing the story just as she was about to give up, or another who recounted having endured seven heart attacks while helping her family settle in the U.S.
Messages also emerged from those who sought to contact her to ask for jobs at the clinic, and even from Cubans in other states who expressed their desire to meet her. “You are a champion,” “a true Cuban mother,” “an example for women,” and “God bless you for so much” were phrases repeated time and again in the comments.
Yasleidy is neither an influencer nor a politician. She doesn't seek cameras or notoriety. She simply shares her truth naturally: that she came to this country to fight, to work hard, to give everything for her loved ones, and that she has no regrets. "I have my two elderly parents right next to me, my children, my grandchildren. We can't ask for more from life," she said, unaware that she was inspiring an entire community.
This testimony adds to other stories that Dairon Cano has recently highlighted, such as that of Orelvis, a Cuban also in Tampa facing a deportation order, who is fighting to keep his food truck open while dealing with immigration uncertainty. Although the contexts are different, the underlying message in these stories is the same: there are Cubans who, away from the noise, are making their mark through hard work, dignity, and love for their families.
Yasleidy's story is, for many, a reminder that true success is not measured in possessions or titles, but in how much you are able to support your loved ones without giving up, even if that means, as she said, holding your breath for a while.
Frequently asked questions about the story of Yasleidy Martínez and her family in the U.S.
Who is Yasleidy Martínez and why has her story gone viral?
Yasleidy Martínez is a Cuban mother living in Tampa, Florida, and her story of sacrifice and dedication to reuniting her family in the United States has touched thousands on social media. Her testimony was shared by the influencer Dairon Cano, highlighting her hard work in construction and her success in building a better life for her loved ones.
What were some of the sacrifices Yasleidy Martínez made to reunite her family in the U.S.?
Yasleidy faced years of hard work as a construction helper, living with only the bare essentials, such as eating just bread and water on tough days, to bring seven of her relatives from Cuba. Her determination and effort enabled them all to live together under one roof and establish a family medical clinic.
What impact has Yasleidy's video had on social media and in the community?
Yasleidy's video has received tremendous support with over ten thousand "likes" in 24 hours, along with an avalanche of admiring comments. Many people have felt inspired by her story, sharing similar experiences and expressing their desire to meet her or work in her clinic.
What message does Yasleidy Martínez's story convey about success and perseverance?
The story of Yasleidy emphasizes that true success is measured by the ability to support the family without giving up, regardless of the adversities. Her example shows that with effort, hard work, and love, it is possible to overcome challenges and build a better future for loved ones.
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