Kiryat Poey has issued a desperate plea to the Cuban community in the United States, seeking support to continue the chemotherapy treatment for a 17-year-old teenager suffering from cancer in Cuba.
The young patient is enduring a severe medical condition and needs to receive chemotherapy every 21 days. However, the essential medication is not available at the William Soler Pediatric Hospital, where he is currently hospitalized.
Poey explained in a Facebook post that the only way to obtain the drug is through purchasing it in the United States. The treatment requires 12 vials of chemotherapy, each costing $36, amounting to a total of $432. The family is urgently seeking to raise $400.
"We kindly ask anyone who can collaborate to support us. We can only get this medication in the United States, and with the financial help of the community, we can afford it because it is very costly," Poey expressed.
He also thanked in advance all those who can contribute to this cause, emphasizing the importance of solidarity during such critical times. Those interested in helping can make their contributions via Zelle to the number +1 (561) 565-9390.
This difficult situation highlights once again the challenges many families in Cuba face in accessing specialized medical treatments and the reliance on international solidarity. Despite the state's inability to guarantee even basic supplies in hospitals, in February, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel assured that his government is committed to the care of cancer patients.
"On World Cancer Day, our solidarity goes out to all those fighting this tough disease. Cuba, amid a genocidal blockade, will continue to provide the care each patient deserves, and we will not halt the development of cancer medications," Díaz-Canel stated.
Currently, Cuba does not produce more than 200 essential medications needed in the country's hospitals. The crisis in the healthcare sector is so acute that patients have to bring their own needles and sutures because there is nothing available for public care.
Challenges and Support for Cancer Treatment in Cuba
The following questions and answers provide more insight into the challenges faced by cancer patients in Cuba and how international support can make a difference.
Why is the chemotherapy medication not available in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a severe healthcare crisis, and many essential medications are not produced locally. The country's economic situation and external factors like the blockade have exacerbated the issue, making it difficult to obtain specialized medical treatments.
How can people contribute to help the young cancer patient?
Contributions can be made via Zelle to the number +1 (561) 565-9390. Any financial support will help the family purchase the necessary chemotherapy medication from the United States.