The relentless efforts of Cuban doctor Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez to improve the health of young Damir Ortiz Ramírez have finally led to a significant breakthrough. On Wednesday, it was revealed that Damir will commence chemotherapy at Miami's Nicklaus Children's Hospital using doxorubicin, a potent drug that had been inaccessible to him in Cuba.
Dr. Ruano shared this update on Facebook, highlighting that the decision to start this treatment was influenced by Damir’s promising clinical improvements in recent hours. Prior to administering the chemotherapy, a bone marrow aspiration is being conducted to better understand his current health status.
Doxorubicin, as explained by Ruano, is derived from the bacterium Streptomyces peucetius and is widely used in treating various cancer types. However, despite demands, this medication was never provided to Damir during his time in Cuba. Cuban authorities from the Institute of Hematology had claimed that doxorubicin was not necessary during the initial phase of chemotherapy he received on the island. Dr. Ruano hints that the unavailability of the drug in Cuba might have been the real issue, rather than a medical decision.
“Thank God, Damir is now in capable hands,” expressed Ruano Sánchez, conveying both relief and happiness as Damir embarks on this new phase of treatment.
Damir's mother, Eliannis Ramírez, took to Facebook on Tuesday to share her heartrending story. Accompanied by photos of Damir's beloved toy cars, she expressed deep sorrow and despair over the potential irreversible loss of her son's sight. "Looking at these toy cars brings me immense and profound sadness. Despite my efforts to remain positive, I cannot ignore the reality that my son's vision and life have been harmed. The ophthalmologist doubts that Damir will regain his sight, and that's where my heart breaks," Ramírez lamented.
At just 10 years old, Damir had always dreamed of visiting the "land of toys," and he even told his mother in January that he wished to celebrate his 11th birthday in the United States. Now, his future remains uncertain due to the previous incorrect treatment he received in Cuba. "My strong boy, if I need to donate my eye, retina, or cornea for you to see your toy cars, I will do it, rest assured," Ramírez vowed.
Recently, in an interview with Telemundo 51, Ramírez denounced the erroneous treatment her son underwent in Cuba, which worsened his condition. According to the distraught mother, Damir was initially diagnosed with Burkitt's leukemia, a blood cancer that can impact the brain and spinal cord. However, after further testing in the U.S., doctors ruled out this diagnosis: "He is negative for Burkitt's leukemia," confirmed the mother, pointing to the misdiagnosis he received in Cuba.
FAQs about Damir's Treatment and Misdiagnosis
What is doxorubicin and why is it important for Damir's treatment?
Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy drug derived from the bacterium Streptomyces peucetius, used to treat various types of cancer. It is crucial for Damir's treatment because it is a potent medication that was previously unavailable to him in Cuba.
How did the misdiagnosis in Cuba affect Damir?
In Cuba, Damir was wrongly diagnosed with Burkitt's leukemia, leading to inappropriate treatment that potentially worsened his condition. Upon further testing in the U.S., it was confirmed that he does not have Burkitt's leukemia.
What are the potential consequences of the incorrect treatment Damir received?
The incorrect treatment in Cuba may have contributed to the deterioration of Damir's vision and overall health, complicating his recovery process and leaving his future uncertain.