Cristhin is a courageous youth from the DYP, who won’t give up on her dreams. A young woman with a generous heart, despite the abuse she suffered as a child, she now studies to take care of others. Here is her difficult, yet inspiring story.
From dream to nightmare
At 11 years old, Cristhin left the Dominican Republic to join her father who settled in Quebec. She knows there is a bright future ahead, her heart is full of hope when she arrives in her adopted country.
Unfortunately, her dreams are quickly shattered. As soon as she arrived, the relationship with his new stepmother became strained. Cristhin endured physical, verbal, and psychological violence … insults rained down on the child.
The toxic climate at home led to the separation of the couple. Cristhin and her father made a fresh start, but the calm is short-lived as the couple decided to reconcile. At 14, Cristhin is left behind by her father, who becomes more and more absent from their apartment, only returning to fill the fridge. At 14, Cristhin might have lived with her father, but she was completely alone.
“I remember New Year’s Day that year.” I waited all night for my dad, wanting to wish him a happy new year. I lay down in front of his bedroom door, hoping for his return. In the morning, he walked right over me without a word. I had become invisible. “
Abandoned
Upon returning from a trip to the Dominican Republic to see her mother, the worst occurred: her father abandoned her. She waited for him for hours at the Montreal-Trudeau airport, but he never appeared. The police had to intervene and knocked on her father’s apartment door. But he no longer lived there. While his daughter was away, he moved without leaving an address.
Cristhin now had two choices that were available to her: she could return to the Dominican Republic or be supported by the DYP and settle with a foster family.
Finding her wings
Upon returning from a trip to the Dominican Republic to see her mother, the worst occurred: her father abandoned her. She waited for him for hours at the Montreal-Trudeau airport, but he never appeared. The police had to intervene and knocked on her father’s apartment door. But he no longer lived there. While his daughter was away, he moved without leaving an address.
Finding her wings
From the moment the DYP and the Foundation entered her life, Cristhin was never alone again. Thanks to their contribution, the donors were an essential part of Cristhin’s journey. Their generosity covered the costs for her studies, extracurricular activities, and much more. But much more than money, their support meant that all her dreams were now within reach, their generosity proudly proclaiming that “we believe in you too”.
At 20 years old, Cristhin can be proud of the road she has traveled. She is an example of determination and courage. Preparing to receive her nuclear medicine technology degree in the near future, Cristhin can proudly say ‘mission accomplished’!