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The Cuban solidarity community woke up devastated after learning about the death of Nabila, a girl with cerebral palsy who was part of the humanitarian initiative "Breath of Life," a program for the care of children and young people with cerebral palsy.
The news was confirmed by the project coordinator, Yankiel Fernández, who shared an emotional message on Facebook to say farewell to the little one.
According to her, the girl was "one of our beloved princesses," remembered for the bravery with which she faced her health condition and for the joy she brought to everyone who accompanied her during her journey.
"Despite the challenges she faced, her radiant spirit and smile taught us to appreciate every moment and to fight with love," Fernández noted.
The activist expressed gratitude to those who helped, donated, and provided support to the family of the minor during her life.
"Her generosity and compassion made it possible for Nabila and other children like her to receive the love and care they deserve," she said.
Dozens of users expressed their condolences, sending words of strength to the parents and other family members, who have faced a harsh battle marked by material shortages and the fragility of the Cuban healthcare system for years.
A struggle conditioned by scarcity
Nabila's death reignites the discussion about the situation of children with severe disabilities in Cuba, whose lives depend on medications that are almost impossible to obtain on the island.
In September 2023, the comedian and philanthropist Limay Blanco requested public assistance for the girl to access Clobazam, a vital medication for controlling the seizures she was experiencing.
That call reflected the harsh reality of thousands of Cuban families forced to turn to solidarity networks, donations from abroad, or the desperate search on social media to obtain basic medicines.
Many of them are not available in pharmacies and, even when they do appear, their price in the informal market is unattainable for most people.
The shortage of medicines, sanitation supplies, special foods, and resources necessary for the care of individuals with specific needs has worsened amid the general crisis that the country is experiencing.
While the government insists on triumphalist messages and official celebrations, the lack of effective policies and a healthcare infrastructure capable of responding to demand especially impacts the most vulnerable.
The pain that repeats
The community of the "Aliento de Vida" project expressed sadness that Nabila is one of several children who have recently passed away within their support program for minors with cerebral palsy.
"Nabila will always live in our hearts, and we will continue her fight by promoting inclusion and love. May her story inspire us to keep providing hope and support to those who need it most," expressed the leader of the initiative.
Although the organization assures that it will continue to provide care and promote inclusion, the collective pain reveals the structural neglect of the most vulnerable sector of Cuban society.
In present-day Cuba, the survival of a sick child depends not only on the public health system but also on the solidarity of strangers and spontaneous donations.
In a country that boasted for decades about its free healthcare, today the life of a sick child may depend on something as basic—and as scarce—as a medication.
Nabila's story, as Fernández noted, leaves a mark. But it also raises questions about a system that fails to protect those who need help the most: the children fighting to survive.
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