Two documentary film producers learned about Alvero’s work and chose to make a film about him and his network. The film was aired in France and the response was tremendous. Contributions flooded Alvero’s group. All told he received $100,000. Being the visionary boy that he was, he quickly realized that he could use this money to build a nursing home. However, after researching the costs for building the home, he realized he did not have enough money yet. He decided to put the money in a high yielding interest rate account, and use the $2,000 it earned every month to support his organization. He also decided to apply some of the money toward his education. He knew he needed to go to school so that he can achieve his dream of being a lawyer or a doctor.

Alvero continued his heart’s work. The expression of his love was ego less and boundless. A year past and the film producers came back to follow up on Alvero’s progress. They filmed the next installment, which was again aired in France. The response was as great as the first time the movie aired, one of great love and admiration for this young committed soul. Monies came pouring into Alvero’s organization. This time he received $96,000. Combined with the last donation, this was enough to begin to fulfill his dream of building a nursing home for his beloved aged neighbors.

The next time we see Alvero is eleven years later. Alvero, now 20 years old, is running a beautiful nursing home. With the money he received, he had a large nursing home complex built. The building is in the middle of a sprawling green estate. We see the residents walking, sitting and working among the trees and the flowers. A beautiful fountain is standing in the middle of the estate. They are clean-dressed and full of vitality. One can actually experience the joy and peace they are enjoying.

Inside the building are clean spacious rooms. Aides are everywhere meeting the needs of the residents. They have access to medical care and nutritious food. The home continues to offer dancing and music classes as well as gardening work and other opportunities for its residents. Some share the feelings of gratitude they feel for having the fortune to live in such a supportive loving environment. The Guardian Angels are still active in helping care for them. With some of the money, Alvero started another program, this one for the Angels. If a young child wants to be part of the Guardian Angles program, s/he must now also attend school. If a child drops out of school, they are dropped from the program. This was yet another way Alvero chose to contribute to his community.

Alvero’s commitment to the children was demonstrated by an incident that occurred with one of the children. This child, who was once a Guardian, was dropped from the program when he quit school and started taking drugs. The boy’s mother brought him back to the program and asked Alvero to take him back since his life was taking a downward spiral. Alvero met with the boy and readmitted him to the program after the boy agreed to stop taking drugs and return to school.

In addition to the nursing home, Alvero continues to do his work in the shantytowns. Every morning, at five o’clock, he goes into town to collect the donated food for the elderly. His large Angel’s network would then divide the food and deliver the packages to the needy in the neighborhood. The board of trustees remains the 5-10 year old children who are continuing Alvero’s legacy.

Alvero is still in school working toward a law degree.

After seeing this documentary, I felt compelled to share it with others. Alvero’s heart moved me in ways I have not experienced before. This young boy, living under the most extreme conditions, uses his life to bring dignity, tenderness and love to such a pain-filled community. Whenever we are confronted by the brutality, harshness and darkness of the many human behaviors reported in our media, we could also remember the Alveros of this world; for every action spurred by fear, there are hundreds of actions propelled by love. The choice is ours – live from fear, or live from love.