Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez, a Cuban physician actively involved in securing a humanitarian visa for young Damir Ortiz Ramírez, has shared fresh information regarding the air ambulance intended to transport the child from Havana to the United States for necessary medical treatment.
Following the U.S. government's decision to grant visas to Damir and his mother, activists campaigning for the child's life set a fundraising target of $38,000 to cover the air transport costs to get them out of Cuba. During contract preform review, it became evident that hiring a higher-standard ambulance capable of accommodating two doctors—a critical care specialist and an anesthesiologist—was essential.
"The safety of Damir hinges on these two doctors due to his fragile health condition," explained Ruano Sánchez, president of the Cuban Free Medical Guild, during a live Facebook broadcast. He emphasized, "While a single doctor and a less-equipped ambulance could be an option, we are striving for the highest quality with the best personnel available."
The cost has escalated to $41,800. "We have no choice but to donate and reach this amount urgently. The contract must be signed by Monday morning at the latest so that Damir can fly by Tuesday," Ruano Sánchez stated.
Damir Ortiz is afflicted with neurofibromatosis type 1, a plexiform neurofibroma affecting his right eye, in addition to acute leukemia. Currently, he is receiving treatment at Havana's Hematology Institute. Despite fluctuations in his platelet levels and unstable health parameters, his condition has not worsened in recent days.
Securing a larger air ambulance is crucial to ensure his safe transfer. This high-standard medical transport service will deliver him directly from bed to bed, from his current hospital to the one in Miami where he will receive further care. "It's not that we insist on a more expensive option; higher costs correlate with higher quality, and the child's safety is our priority," Ruano Sánchez stressed.
"We cannot risk all our efforts if Damir faces complications during the flight due to inadequate equipment or personnel," he added emotionally.
In just 16 hours, activist Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia announced that $36,804.20 had been raised for the child's ambulance, with contributions coming from Cubans in Cuba, the United States, and worldwide. "Thank you, everyone," she expressed with gratitude. "We're almost there," she added, acknowledging the many individuals, including musicians, who supported the campaign.
On Friday, Damir Ortiz received a humanitarian visa for treatment in a U.S. hospital. The following day, his mother, Eliannis Ramírez, collected their vised passports from the U.S. embassy, which made an exception by opening over the weekend due to the urgency of the situation.
Although a GoFundMe campaign was organized to assist Damir and his mother, the funds remain inaccessible until the child arrives in the United States and verifying his location is possible. Salcedo urged Cubans to contribute financially despite these restrictions. "The fundraising is paused because policy prevents us from accessing the money until the child is here," she explained.
Over recent months, Damir's health has further deteriorated with an acute leukemia diagnosis, complicating his already delicate condition. A Miami hospital has agreed to treat him, prompting the launch of the GoFundMe campaign aiming to collect $40,000 for medical and travel expenses. Initially, the humanitarian visa request was denied by the embassy due to lack of documentation from Cuba's Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP).
Understanding the Air Ambulance Transfer of Damir Ortiz
Why is a high-standard ambulance necessary for Damir Ortiz's transfer?
Due to Damir's delicate health condition, a high-standard ambulance with specialized medical staff ensures safety during the flight, minimizing risks of complications.
How much money needs to be raised for Damir's air ambulance?
The fundraising goal is $41,800 to cover the costs of a larger, fully-equipped air ambulance and the necessary medical personnel.
What conditions does Damir Ortiz suffer from?
Damir is diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1, a plexiform neurofibroma in the right eye, and acute leukemia, complicating his health situation.