Joyce Torrefranca, a student in Mandaue, Philippines, spotted 9-year-old Daniel Cabrera outside her local McDonald’s. She posted the photo on Facebook and wrote that she was inspired by the baby.
The photo spread quickly and the media contacted Daniel to find out more about him.
Daniel studies in the parking lot because there is no light in his house and he sometimes sleeps on the street.
A news station reported that his family had no permanent home after it was destroyed in a fire. Daniel’s mother struggles to make ends meet, earning around 80 pesos a day (about $1.77).
As Daniel’s story spread, donations and food poured in for him and his family. The little boy got a scholarship from a local politician and his mother got grants from sponsors to start her own business.
After taking the photo, it went viral. Torrenfranca never thought his image would have such a profound impact on Daniel’s life. “I didn’t think a simple photo could make a big difference,” she wrote.
“Thank you guys for sharing the photo. Through this we were able to help Daniel achieve his dreams. I hope Daniel’s story will continue to touch our hearts so that we are always inspired and motivated in all situations we face in life.”
The ninth grader said he wanted to be a policeman or a doctor when he grew up.
