An urgent plea for support has been launched to gather the necessary funds to enable 10-year-old Damir Ortiz Ramírez, a Cuban child with a life-threatening eye tumor, to travel to the United States for surgery. The campaign on GoFundMe aims to provide a "lifeline" for Damir, diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 and a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, which has been treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He is also undergoing tests for leukemia, as explained by activist Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, who is spearheading the fundraising effort.
Eliannis Ramírez, Damir's mother, made a heartfelt appeal on Facebook, urging for immediate assistance to transport her son from Cuba for the necessary operation. Currently, Damir is in the intensive care unit at the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital in Havana, suffering from kidney damage and swelling in both eyes, according to reports from activists and independent journalists on social media.
Struggle for Medical Attention
"This is Damir's condition today, with renal damage and inflammation in his other eye. How much longer until a diagnosis?????? Please help by sharing and donating if you can; time is running out," Salcedo Verdecia pleaded in a post. On the GoFundMe page, the activist highlighted Damir's battle against these "severe illnesses" and noted that he has been accepted for treatment at a hospital in Miami, Florida, as such treatments are unavailable in Cuba.
The campaign's target is to raise $40,000 to cover the medical expenses and travel costs. Salcedo Verdecia expressed gratitude in advance for any contributions that could "save this child's life."
Challenges with Cuban Healthcare
In August 2023, Damir's situation came to light. Residing in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana, he was initially treated at the Marianao Pediatric Hospital. At that time, Salcedo Verdecia explained that Damir's condition was inoperable in Cuba because, according to Cuban neurosurgeons, the tumor had extended into the cavernous sinus, a non-operable part of the brain.
The activist urgently requested a humanitarian visa to allow Damir to travel abroad for surgery, warning that without treatment, the boy's life is at risk. Damir's mother criticized the Cuban healthcare system's inadequacies and the government's handling of medical care.
Desperate Appeals and Protests
Ramírez expressed her desperation over her son's health challenges, questioning Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel about the cost of securing surgery in Cuba. In November of the same year, she was among several mothers protesting in front of the Ministry of Public Health in Havana, demanding prioritized medical care and improved living conditions for their critically ill children.
In September 2024, Ramírez again voiced her concerns, revealing that Damir's dietary prescription—limited to milk, excluding meat—had expired, and doctors refused to renew it, citing the benign nature of his tumor. After a Facebook video appeal, the clinic doctor renewed the diet, but the Office of Control and Distribution of Food (OFICODA) rejected it, stating only a specialist could authorize that type of diet. Outraged, the mother called for an immediate resolution from authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Damir's Case
What medical condition does Damir Ortiz Ramírez have?
Damir Ortiz Ramírez has been diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 and a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye. He is also undergoing tests for leukemia.
Why can't Damir receive treatment in Cuba?
According to Cuban neurosurgeons, the tumor has spread to the cavernous sinus, a part of the brain that is inoperable, making treatment in Cuba not feasible.
How much money is needed for Damir's treatment and travel?
The fundraising campaign aims to collect $40,000 to cover the costs of Damir's medical treatment and travel expenses to the United States.