A Cuban immigrant was compelled to transport her mother from Cuba to Mexico for surgery, as the Island's healthcare system failed to perform the necessary operation. The story, shared in a TikTok video on June 18 by content creator Lisy_vlogs (@elizabeth_guerra_guedes), also marked a heartfelt reunion after a four-year separation.
"I had to get my mom out of Cuba for her to be operated on because it was impossible to have the surgery done there," the young woman explained in the video, showing her emotional preparations for the journey.
Her mother suffered from multiple kidney stones, but no surgical options were viable in Cuba. After researching alternatives, she chose Mérida, Yucatán, as their destination: "I chose Mérida not only because we found the specialist she needed, but it is also considered one of the safest cities in the country," she noted, an important factor given that they were traveling with a baby.
The reunion at the Mexican airport, after four years apart, was captured in the video. "There are hugs that heal, that fill the heart, and make you feel at home again, and nothing compares to a mother's embrace," she expressed upon arrival.
The creator also reflected on the challenges of emigrating and experiencing significant life events without family support: "I became a mom far from my own mother, and those of us who have emigrated know how difficult it can be to live through such an important stage without having mom around."
The Health Crisis in Cuba
This case highlights a healthcare crisis that even the Cuban regime has acknowledged. In May 2026, the Ministry of Health admitted that around 100,000 patients, including 12,000 children, were waiting for surgeries due to power outages and shortages of medical supplies. The ministry ordered surgical activities to be limited to only urgent or unavoidable procedures.
The situation has led to shocking images illustrating the collapse: doctors performed a surgery in Havana in total darkness, using cell phones for light during a blackout, as documented in February 2026. In May, a Cuban mother sought help for her son with a brain tumor, whose surgery was unfeasible on the Island due to a lack of resources and specialists.
Seeking Medical Care Abroad
Those with family abroad and sufficient resources often seek medical care outside Cuba, primarily in Mexico, Spain, or the United States. Mérida has become a hub for medical tourism due to its private hospitals, available specialists, and relatively affordable costs.
The healthcare crisis is compounded by the migratory situation: over a million Cubans have left the Island since 2020, with more than 250,000 departures recorded in 2024 alone. Family separations can last for years, partly because return tickets can exceed $1,000. Emotional reunions have become a frequent phenomenon on social media; on June 1, Pedro Solano returned to Cuba after 20 years and embraced his mother in another viral video.
For Lisy_vlogs, the medical urgency accelerated a reunion that might have otherwise taken longer. "I have an emotion I still can't believe: after four years without seeing my mom, we're finally going to reunite," she said before boarding the plane.
Understanding Cuba's Healthcare and Migration Challenges
Why did the Cuban healthcare system fail to provide the necessary surgery?
The Cuban healthcare system could not perform the surgery due to power outages and a severe shortage of medical supplies and specialists.
Why did Lisy_vlogs choose Mérida, Yucatán for her mother's surgery?
Lisy_vlogs selected Mérida because it provided the necessary specialist for her mother's condition and is regarded as one of the safest cities in Mexico, which was crucial since they were traveling with a baby.
How are Cubans coping with the healthcare crisis?
Many Cubans with connections and resources seek medical treatment abroad in countries like Mexico, Spain, or the United States, where medical services are more accessible and reliable.