In a heartfelt act of generosity, a Cuban man residing in Miami gifted a staggering 150,000 Cuban pesos in cash to a mother caring for her sick child in a Cuban hospital. This touching moment, which quickly gained traction on TikTok last Sunday, resonated with thousands of viewers.
The video, shared by Ernesto Pérez on his TikTok account @ernestoperez_80, captures the emotional moment as the cash is counted aloud in increments of 30,000 pesos. The mother, overwhelmed by emotion, breaks down in tears.
"Thirty thousand, forty thousand, fifty thousand... one hundred fifty thousand pesos in cash we are giving to the mother," Pérez is heard saying during the handover, gently urging her not to cry: "None of this can make up for your child's health."
Grateful beyond words, the mother thanked everyone who contributed, choosing not to name individuals due to the sheer number of donors. "From the bottom of my heart, may God multiply your kindness, and may you continue helping those in need," she expressed.
As she bid farewell, she added, "I won't name anyone because there are so many, and I don't want anyone to feel left out. Thank you to everyone who helped. If you contributed, take pride in your heart."
This act of kindness is not the first from Ernesto Pérez towards struggling Cuban families. Back in April 2026, he donated 15,000 pesos to the mother of a young girl from Guantánamo unable to walk, using funds from his initial earnings on TikTok LIVE battles. This recent donation, ten times larger, highlights the growth and mobilization power of his community.
The video amassed over 276,000 views and garnered 35,500 likes within hours, becoming a prime example of a rising trend on social media: the digital fundraising efforts by Cubans abroad to alleviate the healthcare crisis in Cuba.
Faced with such a collapse, organized solidarity on social media has emerged as a burgeoning informal support network. In July, a Facebook campaign raised over 500,000 pesos for a child with cerebral palsy, while another effort surpassed 305,000 pesos in just 36 hours for a young Havana resident with the same condition.
Even Cuba's own Minister of Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, acknowledged in 2026 that the Cuban healthcare system was "on the brink of collapse," yet the solidarity among Cubans—both on the island and abroad—remains, for many families, the only reliable safety net.
Understanding the Impact of Digital Solidarity on Cuban Healthcare
How did Ernesto Pérez contribute to the Cuban healthcare crisis?
Ernesto Pérez donated 150,000 Cuban pesos to a mother in need, highlighting the power of social media and community-driven fundraising efforts to support struggling families during the healthcare crisis.
What role does social media play in supporting Cuban families?
Social media serves as a platform for organizing digital fundraisers, allowing Cubans abroad to contribute financially and provide crucial support to families affected by the healthcare system's shortcomings.
What are some examples of successful fundraising campaigns for Cuban healthcare?
In July, a Facebook campaign raised over 500,000 pesos for a child with cerebral palsy, and another quickly surpassed 305,000 pesos for a teenager with the same condition, showcasing the effectiveness of these efforts.