The Cuban doctor Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez, who has been actively involved in the campaign to obtain humanitarian visa for the child Damir Ortiz Ramírez, revealed new details about the air ambulance that is to take the minor from Havana to the United States for treatment of his ailments.
After the U.S. government granted visas to Damir and his mother, the activists advocating for the child's life set a goal to raise $38,000 to cover the airfare needed to take both of them out of Cuba.
However, after reviewing the preliminary contract, they realized that it is necessary to hire an ambulance of the highest standard, capable of transporting two doctors: an intensivist and an anesthetist.
"Security is provided by these two doctors, due to Damir's delicate state of health," detailed Ruano Sánchez, president of the Free Cuban Medical Guild, in a live broadcast on Facebook.
"It could be just one doctor and an ambulance of lower quality in terms of equipment, but we are looking for the highest quality and the best disposition of personnel," he emphasized.
"The amount rises to $41,800. We have no other option; we need to donate to reach this figure. We have to do it now because by Monday morning we must sign that contract (we have already accepted it) so that by Tuesday at the latest, it can fly," he said.
Damir Ortiz suffers from type 1 neurofibromatosis, a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, as well as acute leukemia. He is hospitalized at the Institute of Hematology in Havana. His platelet counts fluctuate, and his parameters show instability, although fortunately, his condition has not worsened in recent days.
Hiring a larger air ambulance is the only way to ensure that you can arrive safely. It is a high-quality medical transport service from bed to bed; they pick you up and deliver you directly to the hospital in Miami where you will receive care.
"It’s not that we are insisting on a more expensive option; it’s that, based on quality, reason dictates that the most expensive tends to be of higher quality, and we are looking out for the child's safety," clarified Ruano Sánchez.
"We cannot lose everything we've gone through so far just because the child might face a complication in the air, during the flight, due to the high atmospheric pressure. That could put the child at risk if he doesn't have the proper equipment and the right personnel," she emphasized through tears.
This Saturday, activist Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia revealed that in just 16 hours, $36,804.20 was raised for the child's ambulance.
In less than 24 hours, Cubans in Cuba, the United States, and other parts of the world managed to raise nearly all the funds needed to pay for the air ambulance service that will transport Damir to the United States.
“Gentlemen, thank you,” she said, feeling emotional.
"We're almost there," added Diasniurka, who expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the campaign, including several musicians.
"In Cuba, people have donated over a million pesos," he added with admiration.
Damir Ortiz obtained the humanitarian visa on Friday to treat his illness at a hospital in the United States.
This Saturday, her mother, Eliannis Ramírez, went to the U.S. embassy, where they handed her the two visa-approved passports, as confirmed by Diasniurka Salcedo.
Despite the fact that the diplomatic mission is closed on weekends, an exception was made for her due to the seriousness and urgency of the case. Now the child can travel and must be transferred immediately.
Although a fundraiser was organized on the GoFundMe platform to support Damir and his mother, that money cannot be used until the child arrives in the United States and proof of his location is provided. For this reason, Salcedo urged Cubans to contribute with some financial support.
"Because the fundraising is still on hold since the policy does not allow us to use that money, because the child is not here," he argued.
In recent months, Damir's health situation has worsened with a diagnosis of acute leukemia, further complicating his delicate health.
A hospital in Miami agreed to treat him, and the aforementioned GoFundMe campaign was launched to raise $40,000 to cover medical and travel expenses.
The family had already applied for a humanitarian visa for the child, but the embassy had denied it due to the lack of documentation issued by the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba (MINSAP).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Transfer and Treatment of the Cuban Child Damir Ortiz
Why is it necessary to transfer Damir Ortiz to the United States?
Damir Ortiz, a 10-year-old Cuban boy, has been diagnosed with type 1 neurofibromatosis, a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, and acute leukemia. The specialized treatment he needs is not available in Cuba, which is why a humanitarian visa has been arranged for him to receive care at a hospital in Miami, United States.
What difficulties has Damir faced in obtaining the humanitarian visa?
The process of obtaining the humanitarian visa for Damir has been complicated due to the refusal of the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) to provide the necessary documentation. MINSAP argued that Cuba has the resources needed to treat the minor, although reports from his mother and activists suggest otherwise. Ultimately, the visa was granted after several efforts and appeals.
How much money is needed for Damir's relocation to the United States?
41,200 dollars are required to hire an air ambulance to transport Damir from Cuba to the United States. Initially, a cost of 38,000 dollars was estimated, but the figure increased when considering the need for more specialized medical equipment due to the child's delicate health condition.
How has the international community reacted to Damir's case?
The international community, especially Cubans in different parts of the world, has shown great support for Damir's case. More than $36,000 was raised in less than 24 hours to cover the cost of air transportation. Solidarity has been essential in advancing the process of transferring and treating the child.
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