This street vendor sells empanada to sustain the needs of his son with cerebral palsy

Tatay Johnny, a street vendor who sells empanada, went viral after a netizen shared a photo of him peddling his goods on a wheelchair, where his son with cerebral palsy was also seated.

In a report on Stand for Truth, Bhea Docyogen delved deeper into the lives of Tatay Johnny, his wife Babylyn and their son JB when she paid a visit at their house.

The report said it's the family's third time to transfer to another house, as their previous houses caught fire.

Nanay Babylyn said they decided to bring JB with them when they peddle their empanadas because there wasn't anybody to look after JB.

"Kaya po namin kasama 'yong aming anak sa pagtitinda, wala pong mag-aalaga sa bahay," she told Stand For Truth.

She said the only thing they salvaged from the fire was JB's wheelchair which they use for their son and for selling the empanada.

"Ginawa po naming double purpose 'yong wheelchair niya," Nanay Babylyn said.

There are days when Nanay Babylyn and Tatay Johnny would live through hunger just to be able to sell and earn to sustain their son's needs.

"Minsan po kahit gutom na kaming mag-asawa tinitiis po namin 'yon kumita lang kami," Nanay Babylyn said as she broke into tears.

She said they would only let JB drink milk at 6am before they peddle and when they go back home at 10pm.

"'Yong anak ko po makakatikim lang po 'yan ng gatas pag-uwi na po namin ng bahay. Paiinumin po namin 'yan ng alas-sais bago po kami umalis uuwi po siya alas-dies na po pagbalik po namin ulit ng bahay na," she narrated.

Even though things have been tough for the family of Tatay Johnny, they always choose to fight together for they believe they will someday survive the hard times. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News