Eliannis Ramírez, the mother of the Cuban child Damir Ortiz Ramírez, who arrived in Miami after a strenuous struggle by his family and Cuban civil society, expressed her heartfelt thanks from the pediatric hospital where her son is now receiving medical care.
In statements to Telemundo 51, Eliannis expressed: "Thank you to everyone who helped us get here. I have so many things I want to say that I can’t."
"Right now, what I want is to talk, talk, and talk, so that Cuban mothers open their eyes. Because this is another level, this is the greatest thing in the world," she added, visibly emotional.
Damir's transfer to Miami was made possible thanks to the mobilization of Cuban civil society, which raised funds and fought against various bureaucratic obstacles imposed both in Cuba and in the United States.
The family and activists made an urgent call for solidarity to save the life of the child, who was suffering from type 1 neurofibromatosis, acute leukemia, kidney damage, and other serious health issues that could not be adequately treated in Cuba.
Damir was transferred aboard an ambulance plane to the Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, where he will receive the specialized treatments he needs.
The activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia shared images on her social media of the child's arrival, highlighting the achievement of the Cuban community that made his transfer possible. "Just as it should be! They are already providing proper assistance. We are happy," she said on Facebook.
The case of Damir became a symbol of the struggle of Cuban civil society against bureaucracy and the lack of resources to address medical emergencies on the Island. The determination of his mother, Eliannis, along with the support of thousands of Cubans both within and outside the country, were key to overcoming obstacles and ensuring that the child received the care he so desperately needed.
Damir's drama began in February when his health rapidly deteriorated due to multiple complications. Despite the initial refusal of U.S. authorities to grant a humanitarian visa and delays from the Ministry of Public Health, the Cuban community joined forces to ensure his transfer by raising funds, organizing blood donations, and applying pressure online.
Finally, on March 7, the humanitarian visa for Damir was approved, and on March 11, his transfer to Miami was realized. This victory for civil society is seen as an example of the power of solidarity and the relentless struggle of a people who, despite adversities, came together to save the life of a child.
Frequently Asked Questions about the transfer and treatment of the Cuban child Damir Ortiz Ramírez
How did Damir Ortiz Ramírez manage to be transferred to Miami for medical treatment?
The transfer of Damir to Miami was made possible thanks to the mobilization of Cuban civil society, which raised funds and overcame various bureaucratic obstacles imposed by both Cuban and U.S. authorities. The Cuban community both inside and outside the island came together in a show of solidarity to ensure his transfer on an air ambulance to Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, where he is now receiving the specialized treatment he needs.
What illnesses does Damir Ortiz Ramírez suffer from?
Damir Ortiz Ramírez, a 10-year-old Cuban boy, is suffering from type 1 neurofibromatosis, acute leukemia, and kidney damage, along with other serious health complications. These conditions could not be adequately treated in Cuba, which led to the campaign for his transfer to the United States, where he is now receiving the medical care he needs.
What role did Cuban civil society play in the Damir case?
The Cuban civil society was essential in transferring Damir to the United States. Through an intense fundraising campaign, blood donations, and pressure on social media, the bureaucratic obstacles imposed by the authorities were overcome, ensuring the necessary medical treatment for the child in Miami. This collective effort demonstrated the power of solidarity and civic action in emergency situations.
What message did Damir's mother send to Cuban mothers from Miami?
From the hospital in Miami, Eliannis Ramírez, mother of Damir, expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped in her fight and sent a message to Cuban mothers: "I want Cuban mothers to open their eyes". She emphasized the importance of solidarity and the need to fight for the well-being of their children, facing the limitations of the Cuban healthcare system.
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