Since 1996, Walter Fabián Espósito has been residing in Tenerife after moving from his homeland Argentina. Currently, for the past two years, he has been living in motorhome number 1 on Las Madrigueras Street in Playa de Las Américas (Arona), situated next to the municipal crane depot. This came after he had to take sick leave due to being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. His hope now lies in securing permanent disability assistance.
Walter Fabián Espósito, a 60-year-old man, has made a heart-wrenching plea for help to sustain his living conditions. “There were moments when I contemplated suicide, but my faith in God prevails,” he tearfully acknowledges. He recalls that only with the help of his family and a local police officer has he been able to persevere, stating, “At present, I am left with just €1.30 for a bottle of water and a loaf of bread.”
Upon receiving his colon cancer diagnosis two years ago, he lost his job at a hotel in Los Cristianos. Since then, he has been dividing his time between the motorhome and medical facilities. “Although I was granted compensation, I made the decision to purchase a motorhome instead of renting an apartment with someone. Unfortunately, I was scammed online, almost losing it all when the fridge caught fire.”
Currently, he has access to water but refrains from using bottled water due to fear of another fire occurrence. “Towards the end of the month, the Rotary Club may provide me with food, but the challenge lies in having only a small beach cooler to keep the ice in.”
LACK OF INCOME
Previously, Walter Fabián Espósito had received assistance from the Argentine Consulate. However, he now finds himself without any income as he explains, “I was informed of a debt of €2,880 with Inem.” Currently listed under a Spanish passport within his motorhome, situated beside the Antonio Domínguez football field, he is known to the Local Police.
“I’m not a drinker or a smoker, I cherish solitude and do not seek conflicts with others,” he expresses, appealing to all those willing to visit his ‘home’ and offer support in any way possible until his permanent disability request is processed by a court-appointed lawyer. Meanwhile, before the month ends, he awaits the results of tests that will determine the presence of prostate cancer.
“Physically weak and unable to lift even an eight-litre bottle, I wake up every day with a smile, eager to continue embracing life,” says Walter, emanating a glimmer of optimism.
