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On this Day of the Three Kings, five-year-old Lía Isabel García Torres, a Cuban girl, received a hopeful gift: an anonymous donor contributed $4,000 to her GoFundMe campaign, bringing her closer to covering the costs of her medical treatment and stay in the United States to fight leukemia.
The good news was shared on Facebook this Monday by activist Lara Crofs, whose real name is Yamilka Lafita, who emphasized the importance of this anonymous donation: “Who says miracles don’t exist! Today promises to be special.”
With this generous contribution, the fundraising campaign has reached 88% of its goal of $30,000, accumulating over $26,000 so far.
In her post, the activist described the mix of concern and hope she experienced in the days leading up to receiving the news: “Last night I went to bed worried; these are complicated days for fundraising. Just yesterday, Lia's mom told me that people would be, as we say in good Cuban fashion, ‘broke,’ because the end-of-year celebrations, New Year's, and the Three Kings Day really take a toll on people’s wallets.”
The perspective shifted when the activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia excitedly shared the news with her, reaching out via WhatsApp with her trademark phrase, "girl, look," a line that Lafita associates with thrilling announcements.
Lafita highlighted the generosity of the anonymous donor, who chose to keep her identity private, and expressed gratitude to the Cuban community for its continued unconditional support.
"This brings us a step closer to achieving this goal in the race to save this baby," she affirmed, feeling encouraged and optimistic, while concluding her message by thanking those who believe in the power of solidarity.
Lía, who resides in the province of Mayabeque, was diagnosed last year with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and has been receiving treatment at the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital in Havana, where she has faced adverse reactions to the treatments and has been in intensive care.
Despite Lía's successful return to the oncology and hematology unit, her treatment has been interrupted due to complications, explained activist Lafita last October in a social media post where she launched a fundraising appeal to support the girl's treatment in Florida, USA.
Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami has accepted Lía's case, but her family will have to face the costs of her stay and treatment, as they have no relatives in that country, only friends who will support them. Therefore, they are raising funds to cover the expenses.
Lafita and fellow activist Diasniurka Salcedo have launched the campaign through their social media platforms to assist the family in securing treatment for the little one at a renowned medical institution in Florida.
In December, the campaign had managed to raise nearly $16,000, just a little over half of its goal. However, in less than a month, it has approached the target of $30,000 thanks to the generosity of many people.
Frequently Asked Questions about the campaign to save the Cuban girl Lía Isabel García Torres
How much money has been raised so far for Lía's treatment?
So far, over $26,000 have been raised in the GoFundMe campaign for Lía Isabel García Torres's medical treatment in the United States, representing 88% of the $30,000 goal.
Why does Lía need to receive treatment in the United States?
Lía Isabel García Torres was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and has faced complications in her treatment in Cuba, including adverse reactions to the infusions. Treatment in the United States is necessary due to the lack of appropriate resources in her country. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami has accepted her case.
How did the anonymous donation affect Lía's campaign?
The anonymous donation of $4,000 has been crucial in bringing the campaign to 88% of its goal, accumulating over $26,000. This contribution has renewed hope and optimism among Lía's family and the activists supporting her.
Who is driving the campaign for Lía?
Activists Yamilka Laffita and Diasniurka Salcedo have been pivotal in the campaign. Both have utilized their social media to promote fundraising efforts, successfully drawing the attention of the Cuban and international community to support Lía.
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