after her father's return from vietnam, he was diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis, possibly as a result of having been exposed to the herbicide agent orange while serving in the army. estefan's mother, who had been a teacher in cuba, worked to support the family during the day and attended school at night. young gloria was left to take care of her father and younger sister. she had little social life, and because she felt the weight of such responsibilities she turned to music as a release.