This past Thursday, Cuban priest Olbier Hernández Carbonell shared a long-awaited update that brought relief to many both within Cuba and abroad.
"The Lord, who is kind and merciful, has heard our prayers. Brianna, the Cuban girl who was battling cancer, has undergone surgery and is doing well," he announced on Facebook.
He urged continued prayers for her swift recovery, with his post echoing sentiments of gratitude and hope.
Meanwhile, activist Amalia Barrera, who has been aiding Brianna's family in Valencia, posted images of the young girl just after her operation.
"She is intubated, stable, and in the recovery process," Barrera noted.
This heartfelt prayer from Father Hernández is just a part of the extensive network of support that enabled Brianna Charlette Blanco, a 10-year-old, to reach Spain for a critical surgery that was unavailable in Cuba.
Brianna suffered from a complex tumor—a thyroglossal duct cyst with a fistulous tract—that had severely impacted her tongue and throat since she was three years old.
Despite three unsuccessful surgeries in Cuba, the tumor continued to grow, threatening vital functions such as breathing, eating, and speaking.
Brianna experienced malnutrition and choking episodes, with her voice weakening due to the pressure on her vocal cords.
A Medical Journey Marked by Obstacles and Determination
In January, Cuban doctors confirmed what her mother feared: the country lacked the resources and technology for the precise surgery Brianna needed. The diagnosis was given in writing, with a crushing conclusion: "surgical procedure impossible."
This document marked both a boundary and the beginning of a fight that transcended media, borders, and bureaucratic hurdles.
The journey to save Brianna involved eight months of relentless effort, closed doors, and international solidarity. Activist Saily González initiated a fundraising campaign in the United States, raising over $6,900, though the estimated cost of the surgery was $32,000.
Despite the financial gap, support poured in from all directions. Each donation, message, and shared story kept Brianna's hope alive.
After facing hospital rejections and a failed attempt to secure a humanitarian visa for the United States, Brianna and her mother finally received approval to travel to Spain.
On November 13, they embarked on what activist Lara Crofs described as "the flight of hope" from Havana. They arrived in Madrid on November 14 and continued to Valencia for medical treatment.
Last week, Crofs confirmed that Brianna was scheduled for surgery by renowned surgeon Pedro Cavadas at the Vithas Valencia 9 de Octubre Hospital.
The procedure took place on Thursday, November 27, at 7:30 am as planned.
Continuing the Fight for Recovery
While specific medical details and recovery timelines remain undisclosed, Father Hernández Carbonell's message reassures that the surgery was completed successfully and initially positive.
The call for ongoing prayers reflects the shared sentiment among hundreds who supported this journey in various ways.
From anonymous donors abroad to Cuban activists and citizens who spread her story, and medical professionals willing to review her case, Brianna's life is upheld by a global human network that refused to give up.
Her struggle embodies the determination of a mother who rejected the bleak prognosis and transformed despair into action.
Now, having overcome the first major hurdle, Brianna's recovery becomes the next goal for everyone following her story.
Brianna, the girl who feared losing her breath for so long, now breathes with newfound opportunities. And thousands, inside and outside Cuba, breathe with her.
FAQs about Brianna's Surgery and Recovery
What type of surgery did Brianna undergo in Spain?
Brianna underwent surgery to remove a complex tumor known as a thyroglossal duct cyst with a fistulous tract, which was severely affecting her tongue and throat.
Why was the surgery not possible in Cuba?
Cuban doctors determined that the country did not have the necessary resources and technology to perform the precise surgical procedure required for Brianna's condition.
How was the surgery funded?
A fundraising campaign was launched in the United States, raising over $6,900. Despite not reaching the estimated $32,000 needed, continuous international support helped make the surgery possible.