What started as a desperate call on social media turned into a chain of solidarity that provided a young man from Camagüey with severe disabilities an essential tool for his daily life and the opportunity to envision a more dignified future.
Leniel Cárdenas Sánchez, 25 years old and a resident of Camagüey, requested assistance to buy the battery for his electric wheelchair, which enables him to move around, manage his home, and maintain a minimum level of independence. Without it, his mobility is practically eliminated, exacerbating his already fragile family and health situation.
His case was brought to light thanks to the efforts of activist Yunior Tamayo Barrios, coordinator of a project supporting vulnerable individuals in Ciego de Ávila, who shared the case on Facebook and requested assistance to raise 80 dollars, a minimal amount yet unattainable for a family that does not receive effective state support.
Leniel lives with his mother, a psychiatric patient, and his 73-year-old grandmother, who suffers from a hip fracture. Despite her total disability and severe spinal curvature, she takes on household responsibilities that have become nearly impossible without her wheelchair.
Her extremely thin body and weakened legs reflect the physical wear and tear she has been carrying for years.
In the absence of any public programs that ensure basic medical equipment for people with disabilities, the only option left was to appeal to citizen solidarity.
Like thousands of families in Cuba, Leniel did not seek help by choice, but because there is no state system that even guarantees the minimum resources to live with dignity.
The response was immediate.
Through donations managed by Yunior Tamayo and the promotion of the case on social media, the necessary funds were raised not only to purchase two batteries—costing 76,800 CUP.
She was also given additional support aimed at food assistance and starting a small business that would allow her to generate income to "support her grandmother and her mother," a family marked by illness and economic hardship.
"Thanks to everyone who contributed their grain of flour, the batteries. Enough money was provided for him to start a business and also invest in food. If it weren't for you, none of this would have been possible," Yunior expressed in the post.
In the shared video, Leniel is seen moving with impressive skill within his home, ascending the entrance threshold and an interior staircase, facing backward and relying solely on his hands.
"Look at how he climbs. And he climbs the stairs too," Yunior commented while demonstrating the maneuvers that the young man does every day.
"My grandmother taught me to be independent," Leniel said, to which the elderly woman proudly added, "I prepared him for life."
Upon receiving the battery, Leniel expressed his heartfelt gratitude: "I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, because I realized that I am not alone, that there are still many good-hearted people in the world, because they have helped me and my dream is already coming true."
He also especially acknowledged Yunior for traveling from Ciego de Ávila to Camagüey to support him.
"He's a boy who, despite his difficulties and problems, is very charismatic," said Yunior.
In addition to the assistance given to Leniel, Yunior donated money to a man with a disability who repairs wheelchairs and helps individuals in similar situations, thereby enhancing the impact of the solidarity chain.
This case brought to light a painful reality: in Cuba, people with disabilities, the elderly, and vulnerable families must turn to social media and the goodwill of strangers to meet basic needs such as an essential medical component.
It is not a choice; it is an imposition resulting from the absence of a state system that guarantees support, resources, and real protection.
Leniel's story is no exception; it reflects a country where hope survives thanks to ordinary people, while the government remains absent in the face of the most basic needs of its population.
Hope, in many cases, comes not from institutions, but from the kindness of ordinary citizens.
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