Yasmany Figueroa Chaviano studied his whole life. Today he holds a degree in Optometry, a master’s degree in Pediatric Optometry, and a doctorate in Vision Sciences. Three degrees hanging on a wall that did not help him fill a plate.
In Santo Domingo, Villa Clara, he has spent nearly two years unable to practice his specialty. He takes any honest job that comes along, sells what he has —even his own clothes— to support a family that is falling apart along with him.
He lost 45 pounds in less than a month. His 93-year-old grandfather is battling prostate cancer without pain medication. His mother lives with epilepsy and a skin disease that no one has diagnosed. His aunt needs a pill that costs what many people do not earn in a day.
There is no drama in his voice when he tells it on camera, only exhaustion and dignity. He asked for help for his family without expecting anything in return for three degrees that, for now, are not enough to eat. After posting the video, people from nearby countries have contacted him to help him.
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