Lenny Anthony Rodríguez Pérez, a young cancer patient from Camagüey, has undergone a remarkable transformation since a desperate plea for help was made in February 2024 to improve his living conditions. Activist Guelmi Abdul shared two photos on Facebook showcasing the astonishing progress of the boy, who now enjoys the comfort and joy of having his own home with his family.
"We managed to change the life of a person, of a family. It’s like moving from a storm to seeing a beautiful rainbow," Abdul noted. She recalled how on February 24, many people urgently called for help for Anthony, who was living in dire conditions without a proper home or the basic resources necessary for his treatment and well-being.
Abdul emphasized that the boy is now "completely different, with tremendous improvement" thanks to the collective efforts of many people who helped secure a small house for Anthony. She also highlighted the dedication of Lena González Mendoza, who taught the boy how to make artisanal bracelets, which have become both his hobby and a source of financial support for his family.
"It’s incredible what can be achieved when there’s a will to change someone’s life," Abdul said, expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to helping the family. In the comments section, the activist encouraged anyone willing to continue supporting Anthony’s family to purchase his handmade crafts, providing his mother Yusmerys Pérez Benítez's contact information at +53 51827927 and their address at Calle Dolores Betancourt 294-altos, Reparto La Caridad, Camagüey, Cuba.
Back in July 2023, a Cuban activist had appealed for help to obtain the medication Anthony needed. The boy was suffering from a nasopharyngeal tumor in stage 4, with extension to the face and cervical skull, and 80% vascularization. Yamilka Lafita, known on Facebook as Lara Crofs, explained that the child required Avastin (Bevacizumab).
Lafita mentioned that "everything was getting better" with the boy's condition, but without the medication, "the pain and general discomfort returned." Avastin is known to prevent the formation of new blood vessels and is used for treating various types of cancer, according to specialized sources.