My name is Kevin Pineda-Castro, this is not just my story but my family's as well.
I hold a very deep amount of regret and hesitation in posting about my side of the story, it's something that for most, it's not relevant, but it does affect a lot more people than I am comfortable with admitting.
I am the half that made it possible for my mom to return to the USA on humanitarian parole, it was a long and strenuous battle that had deeply affected my mental health and well-being spanning 15 years ever since my mom was put under house arrest in 2011, having to present herself with ICE each year then on. It's a lot for a child to go through, it's a lot for me now, well into my mid 20s. It's a hard feeling to describe or to put into words, but there are videos that I will link below.
I don't think I will ever be respected in any job given the fact that I will always be seen as less as a result of my disability, having cerebral palsy, a condition that affects the nervous system, namely motor functions, like walking and even talking... Honestly, I don't like viewing it as a hindrance to my ability to succeed, but for other people, they see it as a way to take advantage of me, to use me for their own personal gain, while also telling me I cannot do tasks others see as simple.
I house a lot of sympathy and shame because not many people have the privilege of even being able to speak up for themselves, it would be a privilege for me to be that voice for others, but right now, I have to get my situation straightened out, focus on me, have my own place, have responsibilities of my own, the whole nine yards. It's just not possible with the cards that are being thrown my way.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read, it does mean a great deal that there are people that care about me and are able to know what I go through at the personal level, what I want most from this is for it to be shared, if you're able to donate, chip in however you feel is best.
In short, I am the backbone of my family, I want to become independent from them and have my own set of responsibilities, just cannot with the current job market.
Our Story: