Cuban mother seeks help to obtain a wheelchair for her son

A Cuban mother has turned to social media for help in obtaining a suitable wheelchair for her three-year-old son, who suffers from Cohen syndrome and other health conditions that limit his mobility.

Rosdaine De La Cruz Rodríguez posted her request in the Facebook group "Revolico Santa Clara," where she detailed her situation: "I am the mother of three children, two healthy girls and a three-year-old baby who is bedridden. He has static encephalopathy, West syndrome, Cohen syndrome, and midline malformations. He is hypertensive, suffers from severe asthma, and has allergies. He is a super special baby, but I am tired of asking for help from the provincial health department in Santa Clara, Cuba, and I have not received a response regarding a wheelchair for him."

In her message, the mother shared the difficulties she faces daily without the proper conditions for her son: "My baby weighs a lot and the stroller I have is broken, and sometimes I lose strength with so many things and the hardships of life. I have no financial means, and the chairs are very expensive. I can't afford them, and I don't know who to turn to; I just ask for help." She also explained that her son needs a nebulizer to manage his asthma attacks, and that her economic situation prevents her from purchasing one.

Later, in a new post, the mother expressed her gratitude for the support and solidarity she has received following her request. "Thank God they gifted me the nebulizer and the little wheelchair," she said in the message, noting that, unfortunately, the chair didn't solve her problem as her son "doesn't fit in it."

Nevertheless, she added that "if anyone needs it, please write to me, I spoke with the girl who gave it to me and I'm going to donate it to whoever needs it."

This case reflects the difficulties many Cuban families face in accessing essential medical equipment and how, in the absence of a response from institutions, citizen solidarity has become a key resource for those in vulnerable situations.

In recent months, several stories of Cuban children in critical situations have mobilized civil society both within and outside the island, highlighting the humanitarian crisis facing children in Cuba and the importance of citizen solidarity in light of the State's inefficiency.

One of the most heart-wrenching cases is that of Damir Ortiz Ramírez, a 10-year-old boy diagnosed with type 1 neurofibromatosis and acute leukemia. His mother and activists launched an intense campaign to transfer him to the United States, where he will receive specialized treatment. Despite facing numerous bureaucratic hurdles, Damir managed to arrive in Miami this March 12 on an air ambulance, after Cubans both inside and outside the country raised over $45,000 and organized a mass blood donation to stabilize him before the trip.

In Sancti Spíritus, the situation of a child with severe malnutrition has raised alarm and prompted immediate action. Images of the child, in a state of extreme thinness and with skin sores, led activists and citizens to make donations in an effort to improve his condition, highlighting the lack of access to adequate nutrition and the deterioration of the healthcare system.

The case of Cristian, an eight-year-old boy who cleaned windshields in Havana to survive, also sparked outrage and solidarity. His story went viral on social media, allowing him to receive assistance from activists and artists, who provided him with food, clothing, and money, highlighting the harsh reality of childhood on the island.

In Pinar del Río, Rosmiel, a child with Lennox Gastaut syndrome, suffers the consequences of governmental negligence. His mother has been requesting an appropriate living situation for his care for six years, without receiving a response. The child no longer fits in his crib and suffers injuries due to the lack of space.

In Baracoa, Yodelmis Furones Matos, a boy who suffered a head injury when a tree fell on his house during Hurricane Oscar, continues to live in precarious conditions. Four months after the disaster, his family has still not received assistance to rebuild their home, and the child is facing health issues due to humidity and lack of medication.

On the other hand, in Ciego de Ávila, solidarity also changed the life of Melanie, a girl with cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Thanks to a donation from a Cuban mother in the United States, activists were able to provide her with a specialized wheelchair, significantly improving her quality of life.

These cases reflect the serious humanitarian crisis affecting children in Cuba and how civil society has taken on a crucial role in alleviating the shortcomings left by the State. In the absence of effective government responses, citizen solidarity has become the only hope for many Cuban families.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Access to Medical Equipment and Solidarity in Cuba