What seemed impossible finally became a reality: a Cuban family, desperate to save their daughter, managed to enter the United States legally after a prolonged immigration battle.
After enduring six months of uncertainty, two-year-old Cuban girl Mía Rey Jiménez landed in Miami to receive medical treatment for an aggressive cancer threatening her life.
The story, reported by Univisión, began in Cárdenas, Matanzas, when Mía's parents made the heart-wrenching decision to leave the island following a devastating and incorrect diagnosis: metastatic neuroblastoma, a stage four pediatric cancer.
Their journey took them first to Nicaragua, and then to Costa Rica, where Mía underwent chemotherapy and a high-risk surgery. Costa Rican doctors had given her only a 40% chance of survival. However, her mother, Liudmila Jiménez Matos, held onto her faith. “Thanks to God, she came through because she's a warrior; she wants to live,” she shared.
In Costa Rica, specialists warned that the tumor involved both the aorta and vena cava. Despite the successful surgery, Mía still has a mass in her lung and metastasis in her bone marrow, impairing her body's ability to produce stem cells properly.
Hope arrived when doctors at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami offered to treat her at no cost, with an 85% chance of success. However, entering the United States legally was a significant hurdle. The family initially applied for a humanitarian visa, which was denied.
A team of lawyers took the case pro bono and filed an appeal, but it went unanswered. According to legal assistant Lissette Herrera from The Founders Law, “The office of María Elvira Salazar worked closely with us and did an incredible job.”
The direct intervention of Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar ultimately broke the deadlock. Her office facilitated a humanitarian exception with immigration authorities, leading to the approval of a family petition filed by Mía’s father, a legal U.S. resident.
“I couldn't be happier. She will be received by doctors who have been waiting for her for a long time. It’s simply love for their profession and for saving another child,” Liudmila expressed, emotionally, upon arriving at Miami airport.
Mía is now admitted to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she will begin specialized treatment that could be life-saving. “God has a great purpose for her,” her father stated, believing this journey marks the beginning of a miracle.
As the Univisión journalist covering the story remarked, “Amid a complex immigration landscape, this week the family petition was approved, like a miracle.”
The family now eagerly anticipates the day Mía can ring the bell symbolizing victory over cancer.
Key Questions About Mía's Journey and Cancer Treatment
What type of cancer was Mía diagnosed with?
Mía was diagnosed with metastatic neuroblastoma, a stage four pediatric cancer.
How did Mía's family manage to enter the United States?
With the intervention of Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, a humanitarian exception was facilitated, allowing the family's petition to be approved.
What are the chances of Mía's treatment being successful?
Doctors at Nicklaus Children's Hospital have offered an 85% chance of success with the treatment they will provide.