The young Cuban Dayan Sotolongo, who suffers from elephantiasis in both legs, is still unable to travel to Spain for surgery after a year of paperwork and seeking help online.
Dayan spoke live on Facebook with the activist known as Pesca in Miami, and reported that during this time, the government (the Ministry of Public Health) has denied him the document that states there is no cure for him in Cuba, which is necessary to apply for humanitarian visa.
The 20-year-old from Pinar del Río, who can barely walk due to his illness, rents a place in Havana and survives thanks to the help of people who provide him with food and money.
According to what he said, in October he was contacted by a doctor from Spain who was willing to operate on him.
Unfortunately, during the natural phenomenon of the DANA that occurred in December in Valencia, the husband and son of the specialist passed away, and she is still undergoing therapy.
"That's why I haven't been able to leave yet. I'm waiting..." he stated.
The boy explained that in March he should be notified from Spain whether the doctor will return or if another doctor will be assigned to him, and they will tell him the date of the trip. "God willing, and if this government allows me to leave, because I need authorization first," he clarified.
"Let them give me the authorization, just like they haven't given it to the young man Damir, they possibly haven't given it to me yet, and I have been denied it a few times..." he emphasized.
Thanks to the solidarity of many people, Dayan has gradually managed to raise the money for his ticket and admission in Spain. The treatment is expected to last about two years, as he suffers from stage four lymphedema in both limbs, a very serious condition.
The young man asked Pesca de Miami if it is possible to get him an electric scooter so he can move around, as he can only walk one or one and a half blocks.
Pesca replied that at this moment he does not have an agency to take it from the United States and asked for help from his followers.
In May of last year, humorist Andy Vázquez held a live stream to raise funds.
"The only thing he needs to be able to go to Spain is the money for the ticket. As you can see from his legs, he has to travel in first class because he doesn't fit in a regular seat. The first class ticket costs $1,700 (on average), and his sister's ticket is $800. That would total $2,500," Andy explained then.
In February of last year, Dayan Sotolongo began to share his situation on social media to ask for help. He had been seeking care from the Cuban health system for seven years, where he was not even given an accurate diagnosis and therefore did not receive treatment.
The young man decided to request a humanitarian visa, after hospitals in the United States and Spain expressed their willingness to review his case and provide care.
Orphaned of both parents, he was then left to his fate in a fourth-floor apartment in Santa Lucía, a town in Minas de Matahambre, Pinar del Río.
"The government pays me 1,500 pesos for my social assistance check. They have never given me anything else," he reported.
In August, he managed to move into a rental in Havana to start treatment and to handle the paperwork to travel to Spain for surgery, but he needed money to live, as he is unable to work.
"I am only 19 years old. I am an orphan, having lost both my father and mother. The only one I have left is my sister [Dayanis Sotolongo], who is the one with me. I beg you, please help me financially so that I can support myself," he pleaded.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Case of Dayan Sotolongo and the Medical Situation in Cuba
Why hasn't Dayan Sotolongo been able to travel to Spain for his treatment?
Dayan Sotolongo has been unable to travel to Spain because the Cuban Ministry of Public Health has refused to provide him with the necessary document that certifies that there are no means to treat his illness in Cuba. This document is crucial for processing a humanitarian visa. Furthermore, although he has gathered part of the money for his trip and treatment, he continues to face bureaucratic obstacles and lacks the total amount required for first-class tickets, which are necessary due to his physical condition.
What is elephantiasis and how does it affect Dayan Sotolongo?
Elephantiasis is a disease characterized by severe lymphedema that causes an increase in the size of the limbs due to fluid accumulation. Dayan suffers from stage four lymphedema in both legs, which prevents him from walking properly and causes him intense pain. His case is complex and requires specialized treatment that is not available in Cuba.
How has the Cuban healthcare system handled the case of Dayan Sotolongo?
The Cuban healthcare system has been ineffective in treating Dayan, even denying him a temporary solution or a clear diagnosis. Despite his serious condition, the Ministry of Public Health has not provided him with the necessary document to seek treatment abroad. In his testimony, Dayan has expressed that, although he has received visits from officials and doctors, he has not received the promised help or the resources needed for his illness.
What support has Dayan Sotolongo received from the community and activists?
Dayan has received financial and moral support from compassionate individuals, activists, and public figures, such as the comedian Andy Vázquez, who organized a fundraiser to help him cover part of his travel expenses. He has also received assistance from a doctor in Spain willing to operate on him, although she has been unable to proceed due to a personal tragedy. The Cuban community has demonstrated solidarity in response to the inaction of the Cuban government.
What other similar cases of medical difficulties exist in Cuba?
The case of Dayan is not unique. Other cases, such as that of Damir Ortiz Ramírez, a child who requires treatment in the United States for a serious eye disease, illustrate a pattern of bureaucratic obstacles imposed by the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba. These situations reflect a healthcare system that often fails to provide adequate medical care and allows patients to seek treatment options abroad.
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