Emy Lucía Pérez, just seven months old, has spent almost her entire existence in the Intermediate Care Unit of the José Luis Miranda Pediatric Hospital in Santa Clara.
The pro-government outlet Soy Villa Clara recently shared an update on Emy, presenting her case as a triumph of provincial healthcare. Her story, particularly moving due to her young age, had been previously shared.
At less than three weeks old, in late December 2025, Emy was rushed to the emergency room in critical condition after suffering a severe respiratory complication.
Soy Villa Clara's post revealed that medical tests identified an ectopic thymus, a rare anomaly located in her neck that was compressing her airway. However, an earlier report had identified her condition as a hemangiopericytoma, a rare soft tissue vascular tumor in infancy.
The severity of her condition necessitated immediate surgery and a tracheotomy to ensure she could breathe.
Since then, her mother, Elizabet López from Placetas, has remained by her side. Over seven months, they have turned a hospital ward into their temporary home.
"Since she was 17 days old, I've been here, and it's been seven months in this unit, where I've found a family," Elizabet shared.
Elizabet explained that she receives continuous support from the medical and nursing staff and has learned to manage the tracheotomy to care for her daughter once they finally return home.
"My daughter hasn't lacked anything, and they have taught me how to handle the tracheotomy for when we go home," she stated.
Her words depict a painful reality in Cuba: mothers pausing their lives to stay by their children's sides for months, surrounded by monitors, tubes, and medical treatments.
Despite the challenges, Emy's progress brings hope. She has been steadily gaining weight and is experiencing a satisfactory recovery, according to reports.
In June, Yusiley Marcelo Harman, Deputy Director of Medical Assistance at the hospital, described her recovery as positive.
"The child's progress has been favorable; she has gained weight, maintained an adequate percentile, and her mother is now prepared to handle home care," the specialist noted.
Despite these improvements, Soy Villa Clara's update indicates that Emy will remain in Intermediate Care until her first birthday in December 2026.
Once she is finally able to leave the hospital, she will require complex care related to the tracheotomy. By then, her mother will have spent almost a year preparing for this responsibility.
Emy's case is not unique. Baby Marcos Sánchez Méndez from Matanzas has been hospitalized since February 25, 2026, due to a severe brain malformation that also required a tracheotomy, while his mother Roxana has slept in a hospital chair for over four months, separated from her three other children.
In June 2026, another mother from Santa Clara reported that her seven-month-old son has been hospitalized since birth at the same José Luis Miranda Hospital due to alleged medical negligence during delivery that resulted in cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
And in December 2025, baby Yoseily Miranda Rojas had been hospitalized for 10 months in Camagüey because of a metabolic disorder with no available treatment in Cuba.
These narratives share a common thread: infants spending their early months surrounded by medical equipment, with mothers enduring endless vigils, showcasing a resilience no healthcare system should demand.
Understanding Emy's Medical Challenges and Hospital Stay
What condition was Emy diagnosed with?
Emy was diagnosed with an ectopic thymus, a rare anomaly that was compressing her airway. An earlier report mentioned a diagnosis of hemangiopericytoma, a rare vascular tumor.
How long will Emy remain in the hospital?
Emy is expected to stay in the Intermediate Care Unit until she turns one year old in December 2026.
What training has Emy’s mother received?
Emy's mother, Elizabet López, has been trained by hospital staff to manage the tracheotomy, preparing her for the complex care her daughter will need at home.
Are there other similar cases in Cuba?
Yes, there are other cases like Emy's. For example, Marcos Sánchez Méndez and another unnamed child in Santa Clara also face serious health issues requiring prolonged hospital stays.