72 year old Epifanio Vega Gonzalez has become a guitar hero for many older men and women who had been abandoned and forgotten by their family members. He gives unconditional love and care to these people, bringing joy and meaning to their lives through his music and devotion.

Mr. Epifanio Vega Gonzalez was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on July 12th 1941. Four years ago, Vega, as he is commonly known, joined our Volunteer Program “Love for the Elderly” and has since been an invaluable asset, transforming the lives of older adults and volunteers. Through his musical talent and devotion, Vega has brought happiness to many Older Adults who were in need of companionship or felt abandoned by their family members. He visits on their birthdays, special occasions and holidays, plays for them and keeps them company, making them feel that someone cares and that they have not been forgotten.

During the Holiday Season, Vega brings groups of volunteers to long term care facilities to celebrate traditional Puerto Rican Christmas parties, commonly known as “parrandas”. They visit folks, play traditional music and spend time talking to older adults. One example of how a life was transformed by Epifanio’s music is the case of an 81 year old man suffering from depression. When Epifanio played the guitar for him, he cried with joy and the expression on the man’s face was priceless. He started singing and improvising verses for the songs that Epifanio was playing. He transformed into a new man finding meaning to his life through Epifanio’s music. In addition to playing for Older Adults, Epifanio brings his music to the kids that participate in the Share a Grandparent program. He visits older adults at their homes and facilities keeping them company. Vega, also volunteers at the local Parrish and is part of the Music Ministry, visiting bedridden patients, serving as a volunteer gardener and cleaning the facilities. In his free time he collects aluminum cans and sells them to recycling facilities using these funds to provide economic relief to anyone who needs it.