A Father’s Story of Disability, Hope and Love

Domingo’s world changed dramatically at 25, when he began to lose his eyesight. As a young father of three, the situation became even more devastating when each of his children started showing similar symptoms.

Milainy, her sister, Mileysi, and brother Darwin all began experiencing vision loss, difficulty walking, and other health issues. Doctors diagnosed the entire family with Marfan Syndrome, a rare and incurable condition affecting connective tissue.

Domingo could no longer work. The family’s future became uncertain and frightening. Then came another devastating loss—Domingo’s wife became too overwhelmed to cope. She walked out and never returned.

“A critical, chaotic situation.”

Milainy, Darwin, Mileysi and Domingo sit outside their home

Domingo was now raising three young children with complex health needs while dealing with his own deteriorating condition; all without an income. The family faced a housing crisis, remortgaging their single-roomed house with no indoor plumbing to try and pay their debts.

The pressure became unbearable and Domingo began to suffer with depression. ‘It was a critical, chaotic situation,’ he reflects.

“Because of my children, I started to pray”

Domingo started praying because of his children

Even in the depths of that darkness, God was already moving. The local church saw the family’s complex needs and stepped in, inviting all three children to join their Compassion project.

At the project, the children found stability, encouragement, and a growing faith in God that gradually restored their joy. Their faith also became a source of light for their father.

Every day coming home, the children shared with Domingo what they’d learnt.

‘Because of my [children], I started to pray every day,’ says Domingo. ‘I stood up, took courage, embraced my children and started to move forward. [Now], I myself take them to school every day, and especially to the Compassion centre.’

Domingo also found a way to support the family financially, selling household goods door-to-door.

A new house that’s now a home

Through Compassion’s partnership with their local church, the family received practical, life-changing support—food packages, medical care, and help managing the symptoms of Marfan Syndrome. Milainy underwent eye surgery and received a spinal brace.

Much to the family’s delight, they were also provided with a new house. They now have enough room and a safe place to live. The church donated furniture, kitchen equipment, bed linen and toys, turning the house into a true home.

“I can feel how much they love us.”

“I have lived my whole life with my tutors,” says 17-year-old Milainy. “They have taught me things that I would not have learnt otherwise, because I don’t have a mother at home.”

At the heart of this journey is the love of a wider community.

‘I can feel how much they love us at the centre,’ says Mileysi.

For the children, growing up without a mother could have left a painful void. But the female staff at the centre have stepped into that space with compassion and wisdom.

‘As a single parent…these women of God help my children and me to learn how to handle emotions…’ Domingo says. ‘The help they give us goes beyond material things, and we receive it with joy.’ 

A family sustained by their local church

Milainy and Domingo hugging each other

Today, the family is full of dreams.

Milainy (17 years) wants to be an accountant. Mileysi (14 years) hopes to teach Spanish. Darwin (10 years) imagines a future on the baseball field. They’re bright with anticipation, sustained the support of their local church and the love of a father who now has the strength to stand beside them.

‘I want my children to be guided on the right path and to be involved in the things of God,’ says Domingo. ‘The centre contributes to [this]. I will always be deeply grateful.’

It’s the commitment of sponsors that makes it possible for us to stand in partnership with the local church and be there for Milainy, Mileysi, Darwin and Domingo. And we’re so thankful.

Say ‘yes’ to Jesus’ call to move with compassion. You can enable a local church to provide practical support and the hope of Christ to a child living in poverty.

Your support will start a ripple effect that changes the life of a child, their family and a community for generations.