Carla and Roberto: the invisible strength of everyday love

Behind every person with a disability there is often a figure who fights silently every day.

This is the true story of Carla, a widowed mother caring for her adult son with a severe disability. Their names have been changed to protect their privacy, but their story is authentic.

A testimony that reveals the strength of love, dedication, and challenges of those who lovingly choose not to delegate daily tasks, even when everything seems against them.

A bond that stands the test of time

• Carla lost her husband to cancer years ago, and since then she has lived with her son Roberto, who is unable to care for himself.

• She has no family nearby, nor a social support network: she is alone, but determined.

• She quit her job to care for Roberto full-time. No pension, no financial support, just deep dedication.

• For Roberto, his dream is to stay at home, close to his mother. Carla never considered sending him to a facility, despite the difficulties.

The challenges behind the strength of love

• Financial hardship: Carla lives on little government assistance—social security, her son's disability pension, and the inclusion allowance—but these alone aren't enough to cover all her expenses.

• Isolation: The lack of a social network and relief generates profound loneliness.

• Lack of institutional recognition: Like many caregivers, Carla is not included in the guardianship systems. She does not receive a pension, as the years she spent caring for her son are not recognized as notional contributions.

• Despite everything, Carla has been resourceful: she organizes her days carefully, has learned to manage health parameters, moments of crisis, and emotional support.

• “I won't let him go,” Carla says. “His home is here. I'm his safety.”

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Pills of resilience

💡 Practical tip

Apps that help: therapy reminders, appointment management, virtual psychological support.

🔎 Curiosity

A family caregiver is someone who provides ongoing assistance to a non-self-sufficient relative.

✍🏻 Quote

" Being a caregiver isn't just about helping: it means reinventing yourself every day. "

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The right to live where you love

• Roberto's dream is simple: to continue living in his home, with his mother.

• Carla fights for this right to be respected.

• The future? Greater protections for caregivers, accessible home solutions, and training programs for caregivers.

• “We're not invisible,” says Carla. “We're the cornerstone of a society that still has so much to learn.”

Carla and Roberto's story is a powerful example of love, resilience, and dignity. Like them, thousands of families face invisible challenges every day. Listening to them, supporting them, and sharing their stories is a step toward a more just and inclusive society.

NOTE: This story was shared with the participants' consent. Names and some details have been changed to protect their privacy, maintaining the authenticity of the experience.

Have you experienced something similar? Share your story. Every voice matters. Contact us.