The Cuban boy Damir Ortiz Ramírez is now receiving medical attention in Miami, following an intense struggle by his mother, Eliannis Ramírez, and the Cuban civil society, which mobilized to facilitate his transfer to the United States.
Damir arrived in Miami on March 12 on a medical flight and was immediately transferred to the pediatric hospital to receive the specialized treatment he needs.
The activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia shared images on social media following the child's arrival at the health center, expressing her joy and gratitude for the support received during weeks of efforts.
"Just as it should be! They are already providing him with proper assistance. We are happy," he wrote on Facebook, accompanying a photograph of the hospital confirming his admission to the health center after an intense campaign of support from Cuban civil society.
The story of the Cuban boy Damir, aged 10, has touched the Cuban community both on and off the island. He was first diagnosed with type 1 neurofibromatosis, which led to the development of a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, affecting his vision and causing severe ocular inflammation. Subsequently, his health worsened with a diagnosis of acute leukemia, along with kidney damage and a significant drop in platelets and hemoglobin, resulting in bleeding episodes and the need for urgent transfusions.
Due to the lack of proper treatment in Cuba, his mother launched a campaign to move him to the U.S., facing bureaucratic obstacles from the Cuban authorities and the initial denial of a humanitarian visa by the United States. However, the pressure from activists and citizens managed to turn the situation around, securing the necessary permits and funding for the transfer.
Citizen mobilization has been key at every stage of the process. The Cuban community both inside and outside the country raised the necessary funds for the air ambulance, while in Cuba, dozens of people organized to donate A+ blood when it was needed before his departure.
Your case has been a demonstration of the strength of Cuban civil society, which managed to overcome bureaucracy and mobilize to save the life of a child in urgent need of care.
Frequently Asked Questions about the case of Damir Ortiz Ramírez
Who is Damir Ortiz Ramírez and what is his health situation?
Damir Ortiz Ramírez is a 10-year-old Cuban boy diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1, a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, acute leukemia, and kidney damage. His health condition is serious and requires specialized treatment not available in Cuba, prompting a campaign to transfer him to the United States.
How did Damir manage to be transferred to the United States?
Thanks to the efforts of his mother, activists, and the Cuban community, Damir was transported to the United States on an air ambulance after overcoming bureaucratic obstacles and obtaining a humanitarian visa. More than $45,000 was raised to cover the cost of the transfer, and civil society was mobilized to donate blood and meet the medical requirements prior to his journey.
What role did Cuban civil society play in the Damir case?
The Cuban civil society was key in the process of transferring Damir to the United States. The community quickly raised funds, donated blood when necessary, and mobilized to overcome the bureaucratic obstacles imposed by the Cuban regime, demonstrating remarkable solidarity both on and off the island.
Why was it necessary to transfer Damir to a hospital in Miami?
The transfer of Damir to a hospital in Miami was necessary because Cuba lacked the resources and specialized treatment that his medical condition requires. Despite the claims from the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba regarding the country's ability to treat him, the severity of his situation forced the search for care abroad.
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