Ernesto Almaguer Díaz, a well-known Cuban activist and dissident residing in Holguín, shared a heartfelt video on Facebook this Tuesday, expressing deep appreciation for the outpouring of solidarity that enabled him to acquire an EcoFlow—a portable energy battery—for his 11-year-old son with autism.
This initiative was spearheaded by activists Guillermo Rodriguez Sanchez and Glenda Rancano, who responded swiftly after witnessing Almaguer Díaz's urgent plea for help last Thursday, amidst a prolonged power outage that left his home in Holguín without electricity for 45 continuous hours.
In his desperate message, Almaguer Díaz had written: "45 hours without power, my friends. I have an autistic child, and I am running out of ideas on how to make his guava smoothie and charge his fan so he can sleep."
Glenda Rancano facilitated the purchase of the EcoFlow, according to Guillermo Rodriguez Sanchez, who also mentioned: "Ernesto now has a solar panel to complete the charging kit, using either the limited electricity supply or solar power. With the remaining funds, a few hundred dollars, essentials requested by him for his son will be purchased."
The equipment, priced at $1,500, was beyond the financial reach of families like Almaguer Díaz's, who lack access to foreign currency, making their acquisition wholly reliant on the generosity of the diaspora and support networks.
The campaign's success exceeded expectations, amassing over 1.5 million Cuban pesos in total aid, including $2,125 from overseas, which went towards purchasing the necessary equipment.
Within Cuba, transfers in local currency amounted to approximately 132,000 pesos, which Almaguer Díaz used to begin stocking up on food for his son and household.
Contributions poured in from various countries, including Spain, the United States, Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador.
In the emotionally charged video, Almaguer Díaz stated: "I will never have enough years in my life to thank you all for what you have done for my child."
He further commented: "Even though my son cannot speak, believe me, he is thanking you for what you have done for him at this very moment."
This incident occurs amidst a severe electricity crisis in Holguín. The provincial Electric Company announced that residents would receive only three hours of electricity daily, prioritizing the tourism sector, due to a supply of merely 70 MW against a demand of 225 MW.
Last Sunday, the Felton thermoelectric plant was disconnected from the National Electroenergetic System, worsening the power shortage across eastern Cuba.
Almaguer Díaz's ongoing struggle for his autistic son has seen years of public appeals without governmental response: in 2021, he sought Risperidone for his child; in January 2022, he requested Diazepam; and in April 2023, he protested against Acopio Holguín's withdrawal of his son's special diet due to budget constraints.
In his closing remarks, Almaguer Díaz declared, "When Cubans unite for a cause, we achieve great things in the name of God."
Key Questions about the Community Support for Ernesto Almaguer
What prompted the campaign to help Ernesto Almaguer?
The campaign was initiated after Ernesto Almaguer Díaz posted a call for help due to a 45-hour power outage, which severely affected his ability to care for his autistic son.
How was the EcoFlow for Ernesto's son funded?
The EcoFlow was funded through a successful campaign that raised over 1.5 million Cuban pesos, including $2,125 from abroad, highlighting the power of community support and international aid.