The family of Dania Valdez Jiménez, a 24-year-old from Pipián, Madruga in Mayabeque, has made an urgent plea on Facebook for O positive blood donors. Dania is in critical condition at the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical-Surgical Hospital in Havana.
According to relatives, Dania is experiencing rejection of the liver she received through a transplant when she was about 18 months old. This procedure was performed in Spain, with her mother as the partial donor.
Her family reports that Dania has required multiple blood transfusions and her hemoglobin level is around six, which could suggest severe anemia, though this needs confirmation by her medical team.
Blood donations must be of the O positive (O+) type. Prospective donors should contact the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital directly to confirm the ongoing need, along with requirements and procedures for donation.
The family can also be reached directly: Irma, Dania’s mother, at 55024127; her sister Danay at 52013823; and Dania herself at 54644745.
Seeking Broader Medical Support
In addition to blood donors, the family is in search of guidance from institutions, organizations, or specialists who can assess Dania's case and explore alternative medical options, including potential treatment abroad.
"Any additional treatment or possible transfer out of the country should be evaluated by professionals familiar with her medical history," stated her family members.
Dania is a mother to a four-year-old son, adding urgency to her family's call for help, as friends and neighbors rally to gather as much support as possible.
Blood Donation Crisis in Cuba
This situation unfolds amidst a prolonged crisis in blood donation in Cuba. Donations plummeted from 357,665 in 2020 to 254,845 in 2023, marking nearly a 29% decline, according to data from the National Office of Statistics and Information cited by independent media.
The lack of reagents, storage equipment, collection bags, and transportation for mobile banks exacerbates the issue, forcing families of critically ill patients to turn to social media to find donors due to the healthcare system's failure to ensure supply.
In 2024, an activist exposed the informal sale of blood on social media for patients at the very same Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital, highlighting the extent of the system's deterioration.
This is not the first instance of a Cuban family seeking public solidarity in a medical crisis. In March 2024, young Amanda Lemus Ortiz underwent a liver transplant in Madrid following a successful campaign that secured her transfer to Spain, with her father as the partial donor.
The Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital is the leading national center for liver transplants in Cuba.
Organ rejection can occur even years post-transplant and is typically managed by adjusting immunosuppressive medication. However, complex cases may require re-transplantation or specialized care abroad.
Understanding Liver Transplant Rejection and Blood Donation in Cuba
What are the signs of liver transplant rejection?
Signs of liver transplant rejection can include jaundice, dark urine, fatigue, and abdominal pain. It's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Why is there a blood donation crisis in Cuba?
Cuba's blood donation crisis is attributed to a shortage of medical supplies such as reagents, storage equipment, and transportation, severely impacting the healthcare system's ability to maintain adequate blood supplies.
How can someone donate blood for Dania Valdez Jiménez?
To donate blood for Dania, individuals with O positive blood should contact the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital directly for confirmation of the need and instructions on how to proceed.