Eight-year-old Valentina Méndez Oliva from Cuba has been fighting a relentless battle against acute lymphoblastic leukemia since she was just two years old, and she is now facing a devastating relapse.
Her mother, Janet Oliva, is making an urgent appeal for a humanitarian visa that would allow them to travel to the United States for potentially life-saving treatment.
According to a report by Telemundo 51 Miami, doctors at the Institute of Hematology and Immunology in Havana have informed the family that there are no further treatment options available in Cuba due to a severe shortage of medications and specialized resources.
"There's nothing left for her here," her distraught mother expressed to the American news channel.
Valentina is experiencing a second combined relapse, which has worsened her condition significantly.
The young girl spends most of her time in the hospital, unable to attend school, while her mother pleads for a humanitarian visa to travel to Miami. The Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has already confirmed its willingness to provide her with the necessary care.
"I offered my help to give Valentina a chance at life," shared Claudia, a family friend living in Florida who submitted the visa application to USCIS in 2024.
However, the visa was denied due to a "lack of overwhelming evidence" demonstrating the medical necessity of the trip.
Claudia had included Valentina's medical history, an acceptance letter from the U.S. hospital, and a letter of support from Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, who expressed solidarity with the case.
Despite these efforts, immigration authorities rejected the request.
"I beg them to approve the humanitarian visa; we truly need it, she needs it," Janet Oliva pleaded in the report, emphasizing that every day is critical for her daughter's life.
In 2024, Janet had already touched the hearts of many on social media by shaving her head in solidarity with Valentina.
"My warrior princess, with you until the end of the world," she wrote while sharing a photo with her daughter.
Oliva explained that although the care from Cuban doctors has been commendable, the country lacks the essential medications for the complex treatments her daughter requires.
For this reason, she insists that obtaining the visa is the only way for Valentina to receive advanced chemotherapy and a potential bone marrow transplant in the United States.
From Miami, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to cover travel and living expenses.
"Time is slipping away, and Valentina's life is dimming," summarized the T51 report.
Meanwhile, in a Havana hospital, the young girl clings to the hope that the United States will reconsider her case and grant her the visa that could offer her a renewed chance at life.
Questions About Humanitarian Visas and Medical Treatment for Cuban Patients
What is a humanitarian visa?
A humanitarian visa is a special type of visa that allows individuals to enter a country for urgent humanitarian reasons, such as receiving critical medical treatment unavailable in their home country.
Why was Valentina's visa application denied?
The visa application for Valentina was denied due to a perceived lack of substantial evidence demonstrating the medical necessity of her trip to the United States for treatment.
What support has Valentina's case received in the United States?
Valentina's case has received support from Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart and the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, which has expressed willingness to treat her.