I met Edwin Huillca in 2019 in Cusco, Peru during a charity initiative through Warrior Retreats. A resilient man of 46, Edwin's life has been a journey marked by adversity, heartbreak, and struggle. Yet, it is also a journey that is beaming with courage, inspiration, and inner fortitude.

In 1998, at the age of 20, Edwin faced a life altering accident – a 40-foot fall at work resulting in a severe neck and spine fracture, leaving him with spastic quadriplegia. Subsequent years brought more hardships with the loss of both his parents and two sisters in 2000 and 2001.

After nearly a decade of upheaval and abandonment by different caregivers, Edwin found solace at Clínica San Juan de Dios in Cusco, Peru. Through their care, he underwent extensive physical therapy, regaining partial mobility in his hands and arms. Today, he channels his resilience into art, creating portraits that not only sustain him, but also inspire those around him. Edwin believes that disability in itself is an art form and a way for him to express himself within his own means.

Edwin has documented his journey into what has become his autobiography. Through this memoir, he aims to inspire those navigating life with disabilities and anyone facing adversity for the matter. I am here to support my dear friend bring his powerful narrative to a broader audience by facilitating the fundraising needed to have this written testament professionally edited, published, translated and an allocation of copies printed.

To support Edwin in making this dream a reality, $6,000 will be required to get it across the finish line. I have included an additional $2,000 for our objective to aid Edwin and the children living with him at the hospital with additional resources to be allocated towards clothes and medical supplies in the future.

For those who've read this far, thank you. Your time and consideration is most appreciated as we work to bring Edwin's dream to life.

Your support, no matter the amount, holds immense value. If contributing financially isn't viable right now, please consider resharing the url link to this fundraiser so that others who may be called to pay it forward, have the opportunity to learn about this initiative. 

A word from Edwin: “With the sale of the books, I can help myself with medical supplies and support the children at the Hogar Clínica as well. Thank you all very much for your support, understanding, and collaboration to bring this dream of mine to life.”