My friend Rafael is a hardworking New Yorker who inspires everyone he meets. Despite being an above-the-knee amputee and currently homeless, Rafael never lets his circumstances define him. I’ve seen him countless times in Queens and the Lower East Side, always hustling—selling water, Gatorade, and candy just to make ends meet. What stands out most is that Rafael never begs for money. He faces each day with determination and a positive attitude, even as he sleeps under a highway and gets around on crutches.

I run a social media channel dedicated to spreading positivity and uplifting my community. Over the past seven months, I’ve given back in any way I can, and recently, I made a video where I gave Rafael some recognition for his incredible hustle. His emotional reaction showed just how much even a small act of kindness can mean. It made me realize that, together, we could do something even bigger for Rafael—like helping him get a prosthetic leg. After researching, I learned that a prosthetic for his situation is far out of reach financially, which is impossible for him to afford on his own.

Rafael is not someone who asks for handouts. He wakes up every day with a fire in his eyes, ready to work hard and make the best of his situation. Of all the people I’ve helped in the last year, Rafael truly deserves more. If I could afford the prosthetic myself, I wouldn’t be here asking for help. But I know that with the support of this amazing community, we can change Rafael’s life forever. Please join me in giving Rafael the chance to walk again and build a brighter future.