Marielys Pérez, the mother of little Ahittana, who suffers from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, expressed her gratitude to those who made it possible to acquire a home to provide better living conditions for her daughter.
Ahittana, due to her illness, needs to be close to the Pediatric Hospital of Pinar del Río because of the constant care and attention that her condition requires.
In a video posted on her social media, Marielys excitedly showcased the new home, mentioning the necessary adjustments to ensure her daughter's well-being.
"I want to sincerely thank you all because without you, we wouldn't have been able to help Ahittana have her little house to leave the hospital," expressed Marielys, acknowledging the efforts and donations of those who joined her cause.
The new house features characteristics that will allow for the creation of an appropriate space for Ahittana, including a room that can be climate-controlled to meet her needs.
The mother also emphasized the importance of this home in her daily life, as it will make it easier to manage medical equipment and provide a more comfortable and safe environment for her daughter.
This gesture of solidarity demonstrates how collective support can transform a family's life in times of extreme difficulty, paving a path of hope for those battling rare diseases under challenging conditions.
Days earlier, Pérez posted an emotional message on his social media where he expressed his deep gratitude.
"My dear daughter, we are getting closer every day to the moment when we will leave the hospital. Your room is going to be prepared with everything you need so that you feel good and comfortable," she wrote.
Throughout the message, the mother emphasized the crucial role played by those who joined her cause from the very beginning: "Thank you, I thank God and all of you for everything you have done for us. I don’t have enough life to express my gratitude to the people who have been there for us since minute one; to all those who, in one way or another, have supported and helped me, THANK YOU. Without you, nothing would have been possible. God bless you," she concluded.
In January, Ahittana's mother shared on Facebook details about her daughter's condition and the reasons that led her to seek a house near the pediatric hospital in Pinar del Río.
According to the mother, her daughter requires continuous mechanical ventilation and a controlled environment to avoid serious complications, and at that moment, the little girl was in a shared room, exposed to constant risks of infections and bacteria.
The mother recounted how ever since her daughter began having seizures at eight months old, she has had to turn to social media to obtain medication and support: “Look, if there’s one thing that has become clear to me in this life, it’s that if I hadn’t used social media, my daughter wouldn’t be here with me today.”
Through these platforms, he has managed to raise funds to purchase a home that meets Ahittana's medical requirements.
However, he emphasized the importance of acquiring a house with a solid structure, capable of withstanding climatic events such as cyclones, which are common in Pinar del Río.
Her priority, according to her, was to ensure a safe space, free of dust and with suitable conditions for her daughter's health.
Throughout her publication, the mother emphasized the need to seek concrete solutions for her situation instead of waiting passively: “I prefer to buy the things I need for my daughter and provide the best for her, while gradually acquiring what is necessary for the home,” she stated.
For this mother, home represents not only a physical space but an opportunity to provide Ahittana with a better quality of life alongside her family: “If God allows me, I will manage to have a house, and as long as God decides my daughter will be with us, it will be with her family, not within the walls of this hospital,” she concluded.
The story of this Cuban mother is a testament to unwavering love and sacrifice. In an effort to cover her daughter's medical expenses, she was compelled to sell her hair, demonstrating how far a mother will go for the well-being of her child.
In addition to this act of selflessness, she has sought help on various occasions to ensure her daughter's health. In March 2024, she requested support to obtain a ventilator, which is essential for the child's stability, confronting the harsh reality of shortages in Cuba.
The struggle did not end there. In May of the same year, she once again appealed for solidarity to acquire an essential medical device for her daughter. Through social networks and media, she requested support to purchase equipment that would ensure her well-being, highlighting the difficulties faced by many Cuban families in accessing vital medical supplies.
Her story is a reflection of the resilience and love of a mother who, despite the obstacles, continues to fight tirelessly for her daughter's life.
Frequently asked questions about the Ahittana case and the health situation in Cuba
What is Lennox-Gastaut syndrome that Ahittana suffers from?
The Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a severe form of epilepsy characterized by frequent and difficult-to-control seizures. This condition requires ongoing medical management and can significantly impact the patient's quality of life.
How did Marielys Pérez manage to get a house close to the hospital for her daughter?
Marielys Pérez was able to acquire a house thanks to the support and donations from generous individuals who rallied to her cause. The community demonstrated its solidarity to improve the living conditions of Ahittana, enabling the family to have a home adapted to their medical needs.
What challenges does the Cuban healthcare system face in treating rare diseases?
The Cuban healthcare system is facing a severe crisis of shortages, which hinders access to essential medications and medical supplies. This situation particularly impacts those suffering from rare diseases, who require costly and specialized treatments that are not always available in the country.
What role have social media played in the situation of Marielys Pérez and her daughter?
Social media has been crucial for Marielys Pérez, allowing her to share her story and receive support from compassionate individuals who have contributed donations to cover her daughter's medical needs. This platform has been a vital tool for mobilizing resources and raising awareness about her situation.
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