In Puerto Rico, many athletes and their families continue to suffer the ravages of Hurricane Fiona, which is why the Hispanic Telecommunications and Information Network (HITN), helped athlete Melvin Rodríguez Carrasquillo obtain a solar battery powered generator. This request by the Special Olympics Puerto Rico (SOPR) allows him to continue using his machine for his sleep apnea condition.

The home where this young man resides, who is on the autism spectrum and is a resident of the municipality of Caguas, still has problems with the electrical service. His family, through his athletic trainer Víctor Bonilla, contacted SOPR, and HITN, through the efforts of its president Michael Nieves, quickly committed to helping the 29-year-old, who has been a medalist in multiple Special Olympics events.

“Helping others is important, it is an action that must be present in all of us and in all groups. I know that this team will help improve the quality of life of this athlete within the day-to-day circumstances that we are still living”, said Yanira Meléndez on behalf of HITN.

According to his family, Rodríguez was affected by the lack of electricity and was not able to use his machine for sleep apnea, thus affecting his sleep. Rodríguez also suffers from high blood pressure, and lack of rest can aggravate this condition.