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In Cuba, public health institutions closed their doors to her, but in Spain, she found a new life. Amanda Lemus Ortiz, the Cuban girl whose story touched hearts when she needed a liver transplant, continues to defy medical predictions and moves everyone with each new step she takes.
"This little warrior reminds us of the importance of holding onto hope," wrote the Cuban activist Yamilka Laffita, known on social media as Lara Crofs.
Amanda arrived in Madrid in March 2024, in critical condition, thanks to a humanitarian visa arranged after a solidarity campaign led by her parents and activists. In Cuba, the treatment she needed was impossible to obtain. Despite having a compatible donor, health authorities cited a lack of conditions and personnel to carry out the surgery.
In the La Paz University Hospital in Madrid, the girl was successfully operated on. Since then, she has undergone several complementary surgeries and her progress has been positive.
Amanda's mother, Mila Ortiz, recently recalled on social media the date of the transplant as "the day she was reborn." "Thanks to thousands of people around the world, the surgery that would save her life was made possible," she wrote.
The case of Amanda came to light in January 2024, when her mother publicly denounced the lack of medical care in Cuba. “My daughter, forgive me for bringing you into this world where those in power do not feel,” she wrote at that time, after months of fruitless waiting for the transplant to be performed on the island.
Amanda suffered from a severe liver disease; she was diagnosed with biliary atresia shortly after birth. The only viable option was a liver transplant, but the progressive deterioration of her health and the lack of solutions within the country forced her family to seek help abroad.
The citizens' response was crucial in achieving the transfer to Spain. Activists, anonymous donors, and thousands of Cubans contributed to ensuring that the girl could receive specialized medical care outside of Cuba.
A year after the procedure, Amanda continues her recovery with medical follow-up in Madrid. Her story is now an example of how solidarity can make a difference when the institutions of the collapsed Ministry of Public Health in Cuba fail.
"Never forget how special you are, Amanda, and everything the world can learn from you," said Lara Crofs in the closing of her heartfelt message to the Cuban girl who now lives in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Amanda Lemus Ortiz Case and Healthcare in Cuba
Why did Amanda Lemus Ortiz have to go to Spain to receive a liver transplant?
Amanda Lemus Ortiz, a Cuban girl suffering from biliary atresia, urgently needed a liver transplant. In Cuba, the healthcare system could not provide her with the necessary treatment, so her family, along with activists, arranged for a humanitarian visa to transfer her to Spain. At the La Paz University Hospital in Madrid, Amanda received the specialized medical care she needed, successfully saving her life.
How was the transfer and treatment of Amanda in Spain financed?
The transfer and treatment of Amanda in Spain were made possible thanks to an international solidarity campaign. Funds were raised through platforms like GoFundMe, and the Cuban community, along with activists, played a crucial role in securing the necessary resources. Medical care in Spain was free, but the funds raised covered travel and accommodation expenses.
What role did the activist Yamilka Lafita play in Amanda's case?
Yamilka Lafita, known on social media as Lara Crofs, was a key figure in Amanda's case. She led the solidarity campaign that enabled Amanda's transfer to Spain and also assisted other Cuban children in need of medical care abroad. Her dedication and tireless work were essential in saving Amanda's life.
What impact has Amanda's story had on the Cuban community?
The story of Amanda has had a significant impact on the Cuban community, both on the island and abroad. She has become a symbol of hope and the strength of citizen solidarity. The mobilization to support Amanda highlighted the shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system and demonstrated how collective action can make a difference in critical situations.
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