My dad is a proud Mexican immigrant who came to the United States at the age of 26 with my mom, chasing the hope of a better life. Despite only having a second-grade education and being disabled from polio he contracted at just one year old, he has never let his challenges define him.

At around 12 or 13, he was abandoned by his parents. His mother left for the U.S. with his siblings, leaving him behind in Mexico. Alone but determined, he worked hard, saved every peso, and eventually brought both himself and my mom to America.

Here, he began rebuilding his life from scratch selling socks, soap, and peanuts on the streets to support our family. He helped raise four children: three of us graduated from college, and one proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He did all of this while relying on crutches.

In his 60s, while trying to make an honest living selling his goods, he was robbed and shot. That traumatic event made him rely even more on a wheelchair, but even then, he refused to give up.

Now in his 80s, he still works every Saturday selling peanuts and pistachios at local spots just to help cover household bills. His strength, humility, and love have carried our family through generations and now, we’re asking for support to help him through this stage of life with the dignity he deserves.

please donate to help my papi ❤️

Any amount is deeply appreciated.