When the chemotherapy treatment caused his hair to fall out in patches, he shaved his head. He was very self-conscious and worried about what his friends would think. His brother Julio learned how upset he was about his appearance. He shaved his own head and persuaded fifty neighbors and relatives to do the same thing, and then the whole bunch went to the hospital to pay Manuel a visit. When Julio wanted to show compassion for his brother, he chose to identify with his condition.
Identification is the beginning point of compassion.
See how this is spelled out in the story of the Good Samaritan. The story opens with the spotlight on a man in need. He is not identified. We don't know his nationality or occupation or if he had a family. He had been robbed, beaten, and left for dead.