Esther, the mother of the young Yoandy Palomino, whose touching story of fighting cancer amidst hardships in Cuba moved thousands, passed away on Wednesday after a long battle with the disease.
On social media, Palomino shared the news with a heartfelt message: "Fly high, my beautiful queen."
Until the very last moment, Yoandy demonstrated great devotion to his mother, who was facing not only cancer but also other health complications. Just the day before Esther's passing, the young man had pleaded on Facebook for help in obtaining an oxygen tank.
In recent years, Yoandy became a symbol of strength and solidarity by documenting Esther's fight against breast cancer on his social media.
It also highlighted the severe difficulties faced by cancer patients on the island, where there are no basic medications available to treat the illness or alleviate the symptoms in terminal patients.
Her story highlighted the challenges many Cuban families face in accessing medications and basic resources, such as oxygen and treatments, within a healthcare system characterized by shortages and government neglect.
In October of last year, Yoandy shaved his head in tribute to his mother and all cancer patients.
"Not all heroines wear capes. They are the warriors who fight every day for their lives with courage, hope, and bravery," she wrote on Facebook.
Esther, described by Yoandy as a "warrior of the good," defied medical predictions on several occasions, managing to overcome critical moments. During this time, her son not only devoted himself to taking care of her but also inspired others with messages of faith and perseverance.
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