Alain García Artola, known in the music world as Alayo, is a trailblazer in Cuban rap hailing from Santiago de Cuba. He is currently enduring one of the most challenging periods of his life.
Alayo is battling a chronic illness, extreme poverty, and neglect alone on the streets of Boston, Massachusetts.
Health Crisis: A Breaking Point for the Artist
From a young age, Alayo has suffered from sickle cell anemia, a genetic disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells, often leading to severe complications. Over time, this illness has severely impaired his kidney function.
"One of his kidneys is already failing," warns his friend José Casavielles in an emotional Facebook post from Brussels, Belgium.
Doctors in the United States are attempting to slow the disease's progress with treatments to avoid dialysis or a kidney transplant. However, the latter isn't covered by his health insurance, and the personal expense is described as "prohibitively expensive," according to the same source.
Without access to comprehensive medical care, Alayo finds himself in constant danger.
From Hospitalization to Homelessness
On Saturday, December 13, after spending 17 days in the hospital, Alayo was discharged without any accommodation options provided.
"He had to return to homelessness, with no options or assistance," his friend lamented.
Currently, the rapper is staying in Boston shelters, sleeping in harsh conditions, exposed to the harsh northeastern U.S. winter, and without a chance for dignified recovery.
"He urgently needs to buy a sleeping bag or blanket and an inflatable mattress for sleeping in shelters," Casavielles insists. Though he has sent financial help when possible, he admits he can no longer do it alone.
"I have two small children to feed, and I alone cannot achieve the goal of saving brother Alayo," he stated.
The Emotional Toll: Loneliness and a Five-Year-Old Son
Beyond physical health and financial hardship, the emotional weight of this crisis is significant.
"Alayo confesses to feeling immense loneliness, to the point of depression, but due to his worldview, faith, and his five-year-old son... he won't let himself fall," his friend explains.
Though he doesn't live with his son, his main motivation is to be healthy enough to support and be there for him.
"Alayo's greatest battle or mission is to be fit to take care of his son and be by his side."
For years, he avoided publicly sharing his situation out of embarrassment, not wanting to "bother his acquaintances or friends," and because "he's not very happy or proud of his current situation."
According to Casavielles, "Alayo isn't the type to seek pity for opportunistic help."
An Urgent Call to the Cuban Cultural Community
José Casavielles, who shared the stage with Alayo in Cuba and has maintained a friendship since those days, is reaching out to those who knew and respected him, as well as anyone willing to help.
"If several of Alayo's friends come together and contribute what we can, we will save a life, a brother, a friend."
The urgent needs are clear: vital medications for his treatment, food, warm clothing, and basic supplies for resting in shelters. But he also needs something less tangible yet more powerful: human support.
"I believe I'm the only person currently helping Alayo, but I know many others who know him aren't aware of his complex life situation," he asserts.
His post not only informs but seeks to awaken collective consciousness and open a concrete path to solidarity.
How to Help
While an official fundraising campaign is being organized, those who can help are invited to contact Alayo directly via Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp at +1 (617) 602-6102. He can provide details on how to receive immediate assistance.
"I've occasionally helped Alayo by sending him some money through Western Union, but... I alone can't do it," his friend reiterates.
What's being asked isn't charity, but an act of justice for someone who was a fundamental part of a cultural generation and is now facing a critical situation.
Alayo's case isn't unique. It represents the extreme situations Cuban artists can face, even in first-world countries: chronic illnesses without full coverage, uprooting, poverty, and loneliness.
For him, Boston's winter has become another threat in a life that endures through rap, dignity, and fatherhood.
Casavielles closes his message with hope: "And for you, Alain García, when you see this post, remember we're not alone, we're together... We will help you because you deserve it."
FAQs on Alayo's Current Situation
What illness is Alayo suffering from?
Alayo is suffering from sickle cell anemia, a hereditary disorder affecting red blood cells, leading to severe complications, including kidney failure.
How can people help Alayo?
People can assist Alayo by contacting him directly through Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, contributing to his immediate needs like medications, food, and warm clothing, or participating in a fundraising campaign.
What are Alayo's most urgent needs?
Alayo urgently needs vital medications, food, warm clothing, and basic supplies for resting in shelters to survive his current situation.