A young orthopedic technician from the province of Artemisa has become the center of a touching story of compassion, which has captivated thousands on social media. This heartwarming event unfolded after a mother anonymously shared how he helped her 18-month-old daughter by fixing her dislocated elbow right in the park, without expecting any compensation.
The heartwarming story was posted in the Facebook group "Compra y venta Artemisa," garnering over 16,700 reactions and hundreds of comments. The technician was quickly identified as Richel Cruz, an orthopedic specialist at the Comandante Ciro Redondo García General Teaching Hospital and a volunteer with the Cuban Red Cross in Artemisa.
The mother recounted the incident involving her daughter, who got hurt when her brother lifted her arm after a fall: "My daughter started crying after she fell and her brother picked her up by her arm. Seeing that she wouldn’t stop crying, I decided to head to the hospital as she couldn’t tolerate her arm being touched."
During their walk, Richel, who was sitting in the park, offered his assistance: "As I was passing by, he said, 'Ma'am, please wait. May I take a look at your daughter's arm?' Overcome with nerves, I approached him. He examined her and explained that her elbow was dislocated. In mere seconds, he adjusted her arm, and moments later, she was no longer in pain."
The injury Richel addressed is commonly known as "nursemaid's elbow" or "pulled elbow," medically referred to as subluxation of the radial head. It's the most frequent ligament injury in the elbow among children under five. This condition arises when a child's arm is pulled, and it can be corrected with a reduction maneuver that, when performed by experts, takes seconds and boasts a success rate exceeding 90%.
Unable to express her gratitude at the moment, the mother attempted to reach him through Facebook but found her messages were not getting through. Determined to thank him, she shared the story publicly: "I decided to post it hoping he would see it and know how grateful I am for what he did for my daughter."
An ex-teacher of Richel from the Manuel Ascunce Preuniversity also acknowledged him: "A wonderful young man with a kind heart, he was my student and is now an orthopedic technician at the Ciro Redondo Hospital. May God always bless him for his charisma and generous spirit."
This story adds to a growing trend of acts of kindness that go viral in Cuban Facebook groups. Stories of people offering gasoline to stranded strangers or giving free rides to pregnant women resonate widely, highlighting the importance of solidarity amidst everyday challenges.
A commenter captured the public sentiment: "Not all youth are lost; many young people are well-educated and compassionate. This is a prime example."
Adding a personal touch, Richel's mother, Daimarys Boza, shared an emotional comment on the post, saying, "He's my son, and I can tell you he's the best."
Community Reactions and Impact
Who is Richel Cruz?
Richel Cruz is an orthopedic technician at the Comandante Ciro Redondo García General Teaching Hospital and a volunteer with the Cuban Red Cross in Artemisa.
What is "nursemaid's elbow"?
"Nursemaid's elbow," also known as pulled elbow, is a common ligament injury in young children where the radial head becomes subluxated. It often occurs when a child's arm is pulled and can be easily treated by a skilled professional.
How did the community react to the story?
The story received widespread praise on social media, with over 16,700 reactions and numerous comments lauding Richel's selfless act and the enduring spirit of solidarity in the community.