The Cuban activist Amelia Calzadilla has raised her voice with strength and pain in response to the death of Damir Ortiz, the 10-year-old Cuban boy who passed away in the early hours of April 5 at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, after battling a severe infection and months of medical negligence in Cuba.
“A very sad day for our people”, declared Calzadilla in a heartfelt live broadcast from his Facebook profile, where he also expressed the deep shock he felt upon hearing the news of Damir's passing:
"It is a sad day for those of us who have passionately defended the case of the boy Damir. I know how much pain we feel upon receiving this news."
Visibly affected, she acknowledged that she needed time to speak publicly due to the emotional impact the loss had on her. “I didn't want to express my condolences to the family in an emotionally charged situation where I didn't feel well at all. I am a mother. The mere thought of losing one of my children wouldn't just make me extremely unhappy, it would end my life. I can't envision life without them,” she stated.
With empathy, she requested respect towards Eliannis Ramírez, the mother of Damir, during this devastating moment she is experiencing. "I am sure that Damir's mother is currently in such a emotionally delicate situation that if any of you are sending her a message, she really is not in a condition to respond to any of us... her pain goes beyond any logical reasoning or education."
Beyond the mourning, Calzadilla turned her pain into a call for justice. “The only thing we can do right now, especially us who are parents, is to embrace our children... to value the time we spend with them. On the other hand, in the pursuit of justice for Damir and any other Cuban child who has faced our healthcare system like he did... we must demand justice and insist on it from international organizations.”
The activist emphasized that Damir's death is not an exception, but a reflection of the deep crisis in the Cuban healthcare system, which she described as collapsed and negligent. “They can no longer turn a blind eye to the profound humanitarian crisis facing the people of Cuba.”
Damir Ortiz suffered from neurofibromatosis type 1 and a plexiform neurofibroma that impacted his vision and daily life. For months, his mother fought to obtain a humanitarian visa that would allow for his treatment in the U.S., but the Cuban authorities, through the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), refused to provide the necessary medical documentation, arguing that the country had sufficient resources to care for him.
Finally, thanks to a solidarity campaign that raised over 36 thousand dollars, Damir was transported by air ambulance to Miami on March 12. There, the doctors disputed the initial leukemia diagnosis made in Cuba, identified an untreated lung infection, and confirmed advanced sepsis caused by a multi-resistant bacteria acquired on the Island.
The funeral services for the minor will be held at Caballero Rivero funeral home in Hialeah, where Cubans will be able to say goodbye to the Cuban child in the middle of this week.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Death of Damir Ortiz and the Crisis of the Cuban Health System
What was the cause of Damir Ortiz's death?
Damir Ortiz passed away due to advanced sepsis caused by a multi-drug resistant bacteria acquired in Cuba, which was not adequately treated at the time. His death reflects the crisis of the Cuban healthcare system, which was unable to provide the necessary medical treatment for his critical condition.
What role did the Cuban healthcare system play in Damir's case?
The Cuban health system has been criticized for its negligence and lack of resources in the treatment of Damir Ortiz. Cuban authorities denied the necessary medical documentation to obtain a humanitarian visa, arguing that the country had sufficient resources to care for him, which turned out to be false. This situation reflected the severe humanitarian crisis and the deficiencies of the healthcare system in Cuba.
How did Damir Ortiz manage to receive treatment in the United States?
Damir Ortiz was transferred to the United States thanks to a solidarity campaign that raised over $36,000. Cuban civil society and international activists pressured for him to receive care at the Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, where doctors provided him with an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, although, unfortunately, he was unable to make a full recovery due to the severity of his condition.
What impact did the death of Damir Ortiz have on the Cuban community?
The death of Damir Ortiz shocked the Cuban community both on the island and abroad, becoming a symbol of struggle and criticism against the Cuban regime. Activists and citizens are calling for justice and changes in the Cuban healthcare system to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. Damir's story has mobilized many people who seek to improve living and health conditions in Cuba.
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