Vicente De la Rosa‘s life changed on November 23, 2023, when he was in a traffic accident while leaving a gas plant. Since then, he has been unable to walk or return to work as a mechanic, the trade that provided his livelihood; he now relies on neighbors to help him with even the most basic daily activities.
According to De la Rosa, a motorcyclist hit him and fled the scene. After the accident, he lost consciousness and woke up at the Darío Contreras Traumatology Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. However, he says he never regained mobility and has been confined to a wheelchair or bed ever since.
At that time, he was told he needed additional procedures and materials to complete treatment; the cost was around RD$30,000, an amount he did not have.
Economic hardship and physical limitations have hampered his quality of life. Currently, De la Rosa cannot leave his home on his own; he needs help to bathe and go to bed, and he lacks the resources needed to survive each day.
“Look, in the situation I’m living in, I need your help, please,” De la Rosa said through tears.
The solidarity of their neighbors
With no family members available to care for him, some neighbors have become his only support. They help him get up, go to the bathroom, bathe, and go outside to get some sun.
Ángel Martín is one of the neighbors who helps Vicente; he explained that, within his means, he tries to bring him food and medicine so he isn’t left without help.
Ángel Martín, one of the neighbors who has helped Vicente since the accident.
“We’re the ones who are there for him right now. My mother is cooking right now, and that means bringing him a plate of food so he doesn’t go hungry,” Martin said.
He added that Vicente needs kind-hearted people, institutions, or authorities to help him with food, financial assistance, household items, and home repairs.
“What we need is for someone to take pity on him and see his situation, to help him financially, with his sustenance, with something to keep him well,” Martin said.
De la Rosa hopes people will hear his story and be willing to lend a hand. He continues to face the difficulties of living without being able to move, without income, and in a home that needs repairs.
How can I help?
Individuals, institutions, or entities interested in collaborating with Vicente de la Rosa can contact his neighbor, Ángel Martin, who is acting as a liaison to coordinate aid.
Angel Martin
Phone: 829-386-9672
“Any help, whether it’s food, medicine, a bed, a washing machine, building materials, financial assistance, or medical care, can contribute to improving this person’s living conditions,” Martin concluded.
Exterior view of Vicente De la Rosa’s house.
