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Blind man sells brooms, mops on Phoenix streets to support his family

Posted at 6:18 PM, Dec 09, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-09 21:55:42-05

One Phoenix man is going outside of his comfort zone and risking his safety to support his family. Marco Zepeda’s path to a better life isn’t like most of ours because he is unable to see.

“This is the only job we have right now because, unfortunately, it’s hard for the blind to get a job,” Zepeda said.

Instead of staying home and collecting disability, Zepeda is hitting the streets. He sells everyday items, like brooms and mops, in west Phoenix. He began doing this one year ago after speaking with Sebastian Ibanez, another blind man from Mesa, who sold some of the same items last year.

"There's a lot of disabled people and we can do whatever we can do to survive. If you want to do whatever you want to do, nothing has to stop you from doing what you need to do for your family,” Zepeda said.

Zepeda told ABC15 that he is a father of four and that his wife is also blind. Despite his disability, he’s often on the streets by himself. He admits he’s run into some trouble from time to time but nothing will stop him from providing for his family.

"Sometimes they need things, especially clothes. They need during this Christmas-- toys and stuff. We need to get a better life, I think,” Zepeda said. 

There is a GoFundMe page set up for the family. Click here to donate.