A Cuban man suffering from Parkinson's and chorea for the past 15 years received a walker donation and was moved to tears in a video shared on Facebook by Catholic priest Leandro NaunHung. The video, aptly titled "Spreading Smiles," captures the emotional moment.
In the footage, the recipient tests out the walker—a red model with wheels and a black bag attached—while navigating a dirt and stone path surrounded by lush greenery.
"It truly is a blessing, what has come my way. I can barely walk. I lose my balance and fall because of this illness," the man expresses with visible emotion.
He explains that he's been "sick for 15 years," suffering from two movement disorders: "I have Parkinson's disease. A combination of Parkinson’s and chorea."
The combination of these disorders likely exacerbates his limitations. Parkinson’s affects motor control and balance, while chorea causes involuntary, irregular movements that impair mobility.
Father NaunHung is known for using social media to document his humanitarian efforts in Cuban communities facing hardship. He has posted videos on initiatives such as recycling materials to generate income in rural areas and documenting the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa in Santiago de Cuba in November 2025.
This scene highlights a widespread issue in Cuba: people with neurodegenerative diseases face a chronic shortage of essential medications and significant challenges in accessing mobility aids through state channels. Community solidarity and social media have become the primary—and sometimes only—source of support for these individuals.
Challenges and Support for Neurodegenerative Patients in Cuba
What challenges do people with neurodegenerative diseases face in Cuba?
Individuals with neurodegenerative diseases in Cuba face a chronic lack of essential medicines and great difficulty in obtaining mobility aids through official channels.
How does social media help those in need in Cuba?
Social media has become a crucial platform for sharing stories and mobilizing community support, often serving as the primary means of assistance for those in need.