Health Update on Cuban Child Damir Ortiz: "Stable Condition and Fever-Free"

Damir Ortiz Ramírez, a young Cuban boy whose health status has sparked significant concern within the Cuban community, is currently in a stable condition and free from fever, as reported by activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia in a recent statement. "Damir remains stable, has had no further fever, and is receiving comprehensive treatment and care. We can't express enough gratitude to this great nation," stated Salcedo Verdecia, emphasizing the quality of medical attention the boy is receiving in the United States.

The plight of Damir has elicited a wave of solidarity among Cubans both on the island and abroad, with many closely monitoring his progress and offering support to his family. Damir, a 10-year-old Cuban child, has been battling a complex and severe health issue. He was diagnosed in February with neurofibromatosis type 1 and a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye. His condition worsened when he was subsequently diagnosed with acute leukemia.

Due to the shortage of resources and specialized treatments in Cuba, his mother, Eliannis Ramírez, sought alternatives overseas. A hospital in Miami, Florida, agreed to treat Damir, prompting a GoFundMe campaign to raise $40,000 to cover medical and travel expenses. However, obtaining a humanitarian visa for Damir encountered significant hurdles. Initially, the U.S. Embassy in Havana denied the visa due to a lack of documentation from the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), which refused to provide the necessary authorization letter, claiming that Cuba had the resources needed to treat the child.

In response, activists and members of the Cuban community organized peaceful demonstrations outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana and at Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart's office in Miami, advocating for the issuance of the humanitarian visa for Damir. Additionally, the international press began highlighting the challenges faced by patients with serious illnesses in Cuba due to bureaucratic hurdles and insufficient medical resources.

Eventually, in early March 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Havana approved the humanitarian visa for Damir and his mother. Thanks to swift mobilization by the Cuban community, over $36,000 was raised in less than 24 hours to fund an air ambulance to transport the child to the United States. However, Damir's transfer was delayed due to the lack of an official hospital admission letter, required for the air ambulance to make the journey. This letter hinged on presenting financial backing to ensure the coverage of his hospital admission in Miami.

Ultimately, Damir arrived in Miami on a Wednesday, where his treatment commenced. This latest health update brings relief to those who have been closely following his case. So far, family and friends have expressed their gratitude for the assistance and attention provided.