Nelson Álvarez, known on social media as El Porfiao, is achieving what seems impossible from within Cuba: arranging for critically ill children to be transferred to hospitals abroad without any cost to their families.
In a conversation with Tania Costa on CiberCuba, the activist described the workings of his network. "With the support of good friends we have outside, who connect with hospitals, such as Ángela de Armas, my eternal angel who has been with me since the start, we've managed to get five children out in less than a year and a half," he shared.
Jorgito's Triumph Over Cancer
One of the most remarkable stories is that of Jorgito, who overcame cancer in Italy after battling a testicular tumor with leukemia. His mother, Arlety Llerena, had repeatedly applied for humanitarian visas to the United States without success before reaching out to El Porfiao.
Due to Nelson Álvarez's efforts, the young boy traveled to Italy in under three months. An Italian foundation covered all expenses, and doctors found his bone marrow to be completely clean, making the transplant deemed necessary in Cuba unnecessary. Jorgito celebrated his ninth birthday on April 29, 2026, cancer-free.
A Mother's Skepticism Turned to Gratitude
Initially, mothers are skeptical when Álvarez offers his help. However, their attitudes shift dramatically at the airport farewell. "Forgive me for not believing in you. What seemed like a miracle, this comes from God. I was denied repeatedly in the United States, and then you appear out of nowhere, managing it in less than three months," they express.
The activist admits that every loss is a heavy burden. "Even if you have a thousand successes, a single loss weighs more than those thousand victories. That's when I feel like stopping. But then another mother comes with a new problem, and I say: well, here I am again."
Personal Pain Fuels a Mission
His humanitarian mission stems from personal tragedy. "I lost a 13-year-old child who drowned after sneaking out of school. Later, I signed the papers for my 10-year-old to leave the country during the parole program. It ultimately didn't happen, but that caused me immense anguish, and I learned to channel that into this work."
This humanitarian effort is particularly crucial given the healthcare crisis facing Cuban children with severe illnesses. Cuba neither performs pediatric bone marrow transplants nor is listed in international donor registries. As of March 24, 2026, 96,000 people awaited surgical procedures on the island, 11,193 of whom were minors.
The Urgent Need for Medical Transfers
Tragic cases, such as Rebeca Quintana Vázquez, a seven-year-old who died of leukemia awaiting a humanitarian visa to the United States, or a young Cuban who succumbed to cancer despite El Porfiao's efforts, highlight the pressing need for this work.
"No one can imagine what it means to know you've helped save a life, especially when it costs the individuals nothing," Álvarez stated. "Saving a child's life is priceless. There is no greater reward."
Currently, El Porfiao is urgently seeking support for Claudia Melisa, a 15-year-old with chronic kidney failure in need of a transplant in Brazil. Funds are being raised to cover her visa and aid her departure from Cuba.
FAQs About Medical Transfers for Cuban Children
How does El Porfiao facilitate medical transfers without cost?
Nelson Álvarez, with the help of international contacts and support from individuals like Ángela de Armas, coordinates with hospitals abroad to arrange free medical transfers for Cuban children.
Why are these medical transfers critical for Cuban children?
Due to Cuba's lack of pediatric bone marrow transplants and the absence of international donor registry participation, critically ill children face dire challenges. Medical transfers offer them necessary treatments unavailable on the island.