"You eat it, you're pregnant." With these words, three Cuban migrants gave up the little food they had during their journey to the United States to help a pregnant woman they barely knew. Years later, she shared this touching story on social media, moving thousands of people.
The account was posted on Instagram by @aky_joy_, a Latin American migrant who recalled how, while traveling four months pregnant, she crossed paths with three Cubans who were also leaving the island in search of a better future.
They had gone nearly two days without eating.
Despite this, the men offered her everything they had: a handful of peanuts, some crackers, and a small amount of orange juice, which was barely enough for "three or four sips."
"You eat it, you're pregnant," they repeated insistently.
Although she tried to share the food among all of them, the men insisted she consume it, unaware of how much longer they would have to walk or when they would find food again.
Generosity Beyond Food
Their kindness didn't stop there.
When it was time to rest, the three Cubans arranged their backpacks to create a makeshift bed for her to stretch her legs.
"Lie down so you can stretch your legs, you know... the belly," they told her.
They spent the night sitting while she rested.
"They didn't care if they ended up with nothing, and we had no idea how many more days we would have to endure," she recalls emotionally.
A Changed Perspective
The woman insists that experience forever altered her perception of Cuban migrants.
"That's why I'm so grateful. I can't sit with someone and speak ill of a Cuban or a Venezuelan," she asserts.
In the video, she also addresses stereotypes that she believes unfairly label Cubans.
"People can say whatever they want about Cubans, that they're arrogant. But they're very supportive. If you're going through a tough time, and their house is full, they will still say, 'Come on over, there's room for everyone.' That's the Cuban spirit."
The migrant also took the opportunity to defend those who send humanitarian aid to their families on the island.
"How could you not send food to those people in Cuba? Of course, you're not the one going hungry," she expressed.
Her message concludes with a call to look beyond nationalities.
"It doesn't matter where you're from. Whether I'm Cuban or Venezuelan, what matters is empathy. How can you not be moved by someone else's hunger? You must be a very cruel person not to."
The video has garnered over 22,000 likes and nearly 1,300 comments, many from Cubans who felt a connection to her story.
The most liked comment encapsulates the sentiment shared by many:
"Cubans don't share what's left over. They share the only thing they have."
Others shared similar encounters. One Cuban recounted that during his own journey to the United States, he gave away some of his medicine, clothes, and food to a father traveling with his sick child.
"Cubans are the most generous and supportive people you'll ever meet," he wrote.
Additionally, a Venezuelan user commented, "Cubans have been the most supportive nationality I've ever known. They're truly genuine when it comes to caring for others."
This testimony comes amid a massive exodus from the island. Since 2021, over a million Cubans have emigrated as food shortages continue to worsen. According to the Food Monitor Program, one in three Cuban families experienced food insecurity in 2025. This reality highlights the value of the gesture made by those three men who, despite having almost nothing, chose to share it with a stranger.
Understanding the Cuban Migrant Experience
Why did the Cuban migrants share their food?
The Cuban migrants shared their food with the pregnant woman out of compassion and solidarity, despite having very little for themselves.
How has the story impacted social media users?
The story has resonated with thousands on social media, garnering over 22,000 likes and numerous comments, especially from those who relate to the experience of Cuban generosity.
What broader message did the migrant convey in her testimony?
She emphasized the importance of empathy and looking beyond nationalities, urging people to feel compassion for others regardless of their background.