#OPLAStories - The story of Olivia, Héctor, and Gerardito: when strangers become brothers and sisters
by Tainã Santana
For over 10 years, Venezuela has been in a deep economic and socio-political crisis. Suffice it to say that since 2015, around 8 million Venezuelans have emigrated due to the extreme difficulty in accessing basic necessities such as food and medicine. More than 20 million people are in need of humanitarian support, and 82% of the population suffers from food insecurity. In 2024, following the problematic presidential elections, the European Council expressed grave concerns about democracy in the country1.
As part of a still-developing economy, families were already struggling to make ends meet before the crisis, but since 2015 the situation has worsened, 
with difficulties growing every year. Olivia and Héctor write to us from Venezuela. Even amid so many difficulties, they have decided to take care of Gerardo, a 29-year-old autistic young man who spent many years without a definitive diagnosis, going from doctor to doctor and therapy to therapy.
"We live in Mérida, and the reality of our country is that for a long time we have had to choose between food or health, food or clothing, food or supporting our children in their needs. Only those who have a family and are Venezuelan can understand what we are going through."
The support that Olivia and Héctor received from the EoC last year allowed them to guarantee Gerardo his annual check-up with a neurologist, to take him for the necessary medical examinations, to replace his glasses and, when possible, to cover part of his tuition fees. Gerardito, as they call him, managed to complete his studies to become a Senior Technician in Hotel Management and Hospitality Services. He is currently continuing his studies and, during holidays or vacation periods, works at a hotel that knows him and provides support for his autism.
“At a difficult time for the country,” they say, "the help allowed us to provide him with valproic acid, which was lacking due to its high cost. We were desperate because we had seen an 18-year-old girl die from a lack of the same drug. We are grateful for that concrete love that gives its own life and often—like the widow in the Gospel—also gives what it has to live on, giving it out of love for someone it does not know. Here are our prayers for your lives, your sources of income, your faith, and your families... An eternal thank you..."
Olivia and Héctor teach us that the commitment to transform society must start right inside our homes, despite the countless difficulties that may surround us. Who would have thought, in the midst of a national crisis, to take care of a stranger when what they had was not even enough for their own family? This is the valuable lesson that Olivia and Héctor teach us: you cannot build a better tomorrow by sitting comfortably, but only by rolling up your sleeves and reaching out to others with everything you have. Gerardito, on the other hand, teaches us that we can be the protagonists of our own lives, and that, with the right people around us, we can take control despite our limitations!
What are you waiting for? Follow Olivia and Héctor's example and take care of those around you to contribute to the development of your community! Or do you know others who are already doing this and want to know how you can support them? Write to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and become part of this story!
