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The Cuban girl Amanda Lemus Ortiz is continuing to successfully recover from the surgery she underwent on Monday in a hospital in Spain, where a stent was placed in her bile duct.
According to the activist Yamilka Lafita (Lara Crofs), the little girl has fully awakened from anesthesia; she spent the night from Tuesday to Wednesday quite well and was able to rest.
“Her recovery is progressing well, which brings us some peace of mind. Thank you for keeping up with everything,” Lara said on her Facebook wall, alongside a photo of the girl in her bed with a plate of food.
Amanda's latest surgery was very long and complex.
Mila Ortiz's mother explained that the procedure "was very challenging because [the duct] was nearly closed," but the goal was achieved.
"The doctors told me that everything went well. It took a long time because it was complex, but the stent is already in place. The surgery was quite significant, but that's it. Now I just have to wait for recovery," he noted.
In a subsequent post, Lara Crofs expressed admiration for Amanda's strength, acknowledging the tough journey she has faced to get here.
"How strong you are, beautiful girl with endless eyes! We're still sending you all the good from this world. A big kiss from this community," she wrote.
Amanda, who underwent a liver transplant in Spain last March, had to be hospitalized again on November 27.
She had been experiencing itching for days, which even caused her problems while sleeping. When taken to the hospital, they performed an emergency ultrasound and found that her bile duct was dilating once again.
On November 28, they were supposed to place a stent in the dilated duct to ensure it functioned properly, but it was impossible to access it because the duct was too narrow. They inserted a drain to remove the bile from his body, and a week later, they attempted to access the duct again, but were unsuccessful.
"The doctors decided to proceed with surgery to do everything possible to restore that pathway and place the stent, as without it, there is a risk of relapse that could affect the healthy liver once again," Lara specified last week.
The activist urged her followers to pray for the young girl to support her during this new difficult challenge she must face.
The surgery was scheduled for early Monday morning.
At the beginning of November, seven months after Amanda's transplant in Madrid, after the Cuban healthcare system had left her to fend for herself, Lara shared a photograph showcasing the remarkable progress of the little girl.
"Do you all recognize that little face? To me, it embodies willpower, the idea that 'where there’s a will, there’s a way,' and the unity of a civil society that has risen up for a greater and more noble cause," she said on her Facebook profile.
The struggle to save Amanda's life began in January when her mother, in a message that went viral, publicly apologized to her daughter for bringing her into a country that could not meet her medical needs.
Amanda was suffering from a severe liver disease and urgently needed a liver transplant, but the limitations in Cuba made the surgery impossible, so a humanitarian visa was requested for her.
After several weeks of a campaign supported by activists, independent media, and generous Cubans, the necessary funds were raised for Amanda and her parents to travel to Spain, where a hospital had accepted her case.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health and Recovery of Amanda Lemus Ortiz
What was the reason for Amanda Lemus Ortiz's last surgical intervention?
Amanda Lemus Ortiz underwent a surgical procedure to have a stent placed in her bile duct due to dilation issues that were causing her discomfort, such as itching. The operation was successful, although complex, and Amanda is currently in the recovery process.
How has Amanda's recovery process been following her liver transplant in Spain?
Amanda's recovery process has been complicated but progressive. Since her liver transplant in March 2024, she has shown significant improvement, although she has not been free of setbacks and complications. Over the months, she has reached important milestones in her recovery, such as the removal of IVs and catheters, and she is now able to sit up on her own and utter a few words.
What challenges did Amanda face in Cuba before being relocated to Spain?
Amanda faced serious limitations in Cuba due to the lack of medical resources needed for the urgent liver transplant she required. Her health deteriorated significantly without the necessary treatment, as she was effectively abandoned by the Cuban healthcare system. This situation prompted an international campaign to raise funds and facilitate her transfer to Spain, where she was finally able to receive the appropriate care.
How has international solidarity influenced Amanda's case?
International solidarity has been crucial in saving Amanda's life. Thanks to donations and the support of activists and the Cuban community abroad, funding for Amanda's treatment in Spain was secured. This mobilization demonstrated the power of civil unity and the importance of international aid in overcoming the deficiencies of the Cuban healthcare system in critical cases.
What role has Amanda's family played in her recovery?
Amanda's family has been fundamental to her recovery process. Emmanuel Lemus, Amanda's father, donated a portion of his liver for the transplant and has been by the side of his wife, Mila, supporting their daughter at every stage of her treatment in Spain. Their dedication and sacrifice have been a constant presence in the fight for Amanda's health.
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