Eliannis Ramírez, the mother of young Cuban boy Damir Ortiz, has taken to social media with a heartrending plea for assistance as her son's health deteriorates. Her urgent message highlights the critical need for medical attention outside of Cuba. "Damir is dying, please help," she posted on Facebook, capturing the distress her family is experiencing.
Ramírez has criticized the treatment her son is receiving on the island, stating that only his symptoms are being addressed, while the underlying cause of his health decline remains unknown. "They can't do more for him here; they are just treating emerging symptoms. They don't know why he's deteriorating," she lamented, her message punctuated by crying and pleading emojis.
She stressed the urgent necessity for Damir to leave Cuba to access proper diagnosis and treatment at a hospital abroad. Her post has been widely shared, with many online users rallying to spread the word and find a way to restore the child's health.
The Cuban community, both inside and outside the island, has shown solidarity with Eliannis Ramírez, striving to bring attention to the case and urgently seeking a solution to save young Damir's life.
Understanding Damir's Situation
Damir Ortiz, a 10-year-old Cuban boy suffering from plexiform neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), has attracted widespread international attention, even reaching the Spanish press due to the severity of his condition. His physical health is declining rapidly, facing paralysis of the legs, partial blindness, and tumors impacting his spinal cord. A Miami hospital has agreed to take on his case.
Ramírez and Cuban activists have made numerous efforts to obtain a humanitarian visa from the U.S. Embassy. Although she received a summary of Damir's medical history from the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital, she was denied the specific letter required by the Embassy to grant the visa.
The Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) refused to issue the letter, claiming that Cuba has adequate resources to treat the child, despite glaring medical shortages. The situation worsened when the U.S. Embassy rejected the visa application due to the absence of this document.
On February 13, Damir was taken to the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery in Havana under close watch by State Security. His condition grows more fragile with each passing day.
As Damir's health continues to decline, his mother persists in demanding a solution, receiving backing from activists and public figures. A GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $32,000 for medical and travel expenses, but without the necessary visa, Damir cannot access the specialized treatment he desperately needs.
FAQs on Damir Ortiz's Medical Crisis
What condition does Damir Ortiz suffer from?
Damir Ortiz suffers from plexiform neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a condition that has led to severe health complications such as paralysis, partial blindness, and spinal tumors.
Why was the visa application for Damir Ortiz rejected?
The U.S. Embassy rejected the visa application because the essential letter from the Ministry of Public Health in Cuba, which is required to grant a humanitarian visa, was not provided.
What is being done to help Damir Ortiz?
Efforts include a GoFundMe campaign that has raised nearly $32,000 for his medical and travel expenses. Additionally, his case has gained international attention, with a Miami hospital willing to treat him if he can obtain a visa.