Luiz Souza

My story is marked by challenges and resilience. My parents were deaf and mute, but I didn't inherit that condition. When I was only two years old, my mother passed away, and I was found crying by her side.

My father, who couldn't care for me on his own, left me in my grandparents' care, and I was separated from my sister — something that deeply affected me. Soon after, he suffered an accident on the way to the hospital and fell into a coma. He held on for a while, but I never got the chance to say goodbye; all I have left of him are memories.

As a child I was rebellious, spending much of my time out on the streets. When I went to live with my aunt and uncle — whom I consider my parents — I gave them a lot of trouble, but they raised me with love and patience.

I struggled at school and even had to repeat a year to keep up with my studies. But with my family's unconditional support, I learned what it truly means to have a home.

Today I'm grateful to have my aunt Edmara and my uncle João as parents, and my adoptive brother, Edu, whom I admire so much. This whole journey is the fuel that drives me to travel 100 km a day and always deliver my best in technology.