The mother of Damir Ortiz, the Cuban boy suffering from type 1 neurofibromatosis who was transferred to the United States for treatment, harshly criticized the Cuban doctors who misdiagnosed her son with leukemia.
In an interview with journalist Javier Díaz from Univisión 23, Eliannis Ramírez explained that, although she initially trusted the diagnosis of Cuban hematologists, she now feels that she was deceived.
"I somewhat trusted the diagnosis made by the Cuban hematologists because they cried with me, but they are false. They are as false as the diagnosis they gave me in less than 24 hours," she expressed.
The mother reported that the doctors in Cuba "looked for the worst leukemia in the world, the leukemia with the worst prognosis, just to get rid of me. They believed, without a doubt, that my son was going to die," she stated firmly.
Tests conducted at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami revealed that Damir does not have the disease, which brought relief to the family.
In addition, the child is making progress, albeit very slowly.
Eliannis shared that her son arrived in the United States in critical condition, but that he has shown improvement in just seven days of treatment. "It’s impressive how in seven days, which is how long we’ve been here, the child is a little better," she added.
The pain of a mother
Eliannis also shared a touching post on her social media where she expressed her sadness over the possible irreversible damage that the child may have suffered to his eyesight due to the incorrect treatment in Cuba.
"It fills me with immense and deep sorrow, because although I want to be as positive as possible, I am not oblivious to the reality that they ruined my son's eyesight and life. The ophthalmologist says he doesn't believe Damir will regain his sight...", she wrote.
Although the future remains uncertain due to the aftermath of previous treatment, Eliannis reaffirmed her unconditional love for her son: "If I have to donate one of my eyes, my retina, my cornea, whatever it takes for you to see your toy cars, I will do it, rest assured."
Treatment in Miami: A New Beginning
The Cuban doctor Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez, who has worked extensively for children's health, reported that the child will begin chemotherapy treatment with doxorubicin, a powerful drug used for the treatment of certain types of cancer. The decision was made due to the favorable progress the patient showed in recent hours.
Ruano also reported that doxorubicin was never administered to Damir in Cuba, despite the fact that the doctors had requested it.
The authorities of the Institute of Hematology claimed that the medication "was not necessary in the initial phase of chemotherapy," but Ruano suggested that the issue was more about the lack of availability of the drug on the Island.
Eliannis has praised the level of transparency and quality of care that her son is receiving in Miami.
"They show you everything here. You don't have to wait hours for a result. Everything is recorded, and the doctors and nurses give you their phone numbers for any questions," he commented.
Damir is still facing serious challenges, such as the hospital-acquired infections he contracted during his stay in the Cuban hospital, caused by bacteria like Klebsiella and Enterobacter cloacae, which can be acquired in environments with poor hygiene conditions.
His mother accused the Cuban regime of having abandoned him.
They declared Damir a lost cause and said he was dead. "Everything is part of the same system, the same poor governance," he stated in a message full of anger and disappointment.
Damir Ortiz continues to face a long road to recovery, but his mother and family remain hopeful that he will soon be able to overcome this painful process and have a future filled with hope and love.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Damir Ortiz Case
What was the incorrect diagnosis that Damir received in Cuba?
Damir was misdiagnosed with Burkitt's leukemia in Cuba, a type of blood cancer. However, upon arriving in the United States, tests conducted at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami ruled out this illness, revealing that he did not have leukemia.
How has Damir's health evolved since his move to the United States?
Since his move to Miami, Damir has shown improvement in his health condition. Despite arriving in critical condition, he has responded positively to the new treatments, although he faces serious challenges such as infections acquired in the Cuban hospital and potential irreversible damage to his eyesight.
What criticisms has Damir's mother made about the Cuban healthcare system?
Damir's mother has reported medical negligence in Cuba, accusing the Cuban healthcare system of having declared her son terminally ill and misdiagnosing him. She has criticized the lack of transparency and the absence of adequate treatments, holding the Cuban regime accountable for her son's deteriorating health.
What role has the Cuban community played in Damir's relocation to the United States?
The Cuban community, both on the island and in exile, was crucial for Damir's relocation to the United States. Thanks to their mobilization, funds were raised and necessary permits were obtained, overcoming numerous bureaucratic hurdles so that Damir could receive the specialized treatment he needed in Miami.
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