Image of Homeless Boy Using Light of McDonald's Restaurant to Do His Homework Has Been Shared by Millions — This Is His Story

A medical student was walking through the streets in the Philippines when he saw a homeless boy sitting on the sidewalk as he read a book and wrote on a piece of paper. Upon closer examination, it became clear that the boy was actually doing his homework, using the light of a McDonald’s restaurant to see.

The inspiring image of Daniel Cabrera, an innocent child determined to escape poverty through education, has since been viewed by millions of people across the globe.

Image: Joyce Gilos Torrefranca

On Friday, the Daily Mail revealed more details about Cabrera’s personal story, making the viral image even more powerful.

According to the Daily Mail, Cabrera’s dad died in a prison cell after falling ill roughly three years ago. His mother, Christina Espinoza, had no choice but to be the sole caregiver for her son.

Espinoza told the website Rappler that she worked tirelessly to provide for her son, taking jobs such as a domestic worker for a food stall owner, selling cigarettes and treats, washing laundry and other odd jobs.

The mother and Cabrera currently live in a small shack without any walls or electricity. Times are rough when temperatures plunge in the winter time.

Despite the odds being stacked against him, the young boy is astonishingly determined to get his education and secure himself a brighter future. He reportedly walks over half a mile to school every morning. Then, of course, there are bullies that he’s had to overcome.

Cabrera said he wants to either be a doctor or a cop when he grows up.

More from the Daily Mail:

Even at school, Daniel has had to battle with bullies, who once stole one of his two only pencils. Now he keeps a set of rosary beads in his bag, hoping that it will ward off the bullies and that no one will take his only remaining pencil.

Lacking a lamp to do his homework, Daniel often chooses to study near a McDonald's restaurant, in Mindanao, Cebu - close to his home due to the large amounts of light beaming out of the store.

While his Grade 3 classmates play football in the evening, Daniel is often studying outside the restaurant.

After the viral photo of the boy doing his homework went viral, a fundraiser was set up to help him achieve his education goals. The fundraiser’s goal of 50,000 Philippine pesos was quickly shattered. As of Friday afternoon, over 126,000 Philippine pesos or over $2,800 had been raised.

“He always tells me,” Espinoza said of her son, “‘Mama, I don't want to stay poor. I want to reach my dreams'"

It seems like a bad idea to bet against him.

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