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Eliannis Ramírez, mother of the young Cuban Damir Ortiz, shared a message full of hope and emotion this Tuesday: her son, who arrived in the United States on March 12, 2025, to receive medical attention, has begun to breathe on his own at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami.
The news was shared on his Facebook profile, where he wrote: “Right now, right now Damir is breathing on his own. Thank you, God!”, celebrating the progress of the child who had been on mechanical ventilation since his arrival in Miami.
Minutes later, in another post, she expressed her gratitude once again for the outpouring of support received and recalled that the doctors did not give her much hope.
"They told me I wouldn't last even 10 days on a ventilator, and look, God, this is for your glory; what's left to extubate him is nothing," he wrote, insisting that every gesture, prayer, and act of solidarity has been worthwhile.
On Sunday, Eliannis had already anticipated positive signs in the clinical progress of the child: “Today my child has leukocytes over 5, platelets over 100, and hemoglobin over 9.”
"His sores also healed completely, and all inflammation subsided," she noted, visibly emotional about Damir's body's response to the treatment.
Damir's recovery has touched thousands both inside and outside of Cuba, who follow every update from his mother with great attention, as she shares her faith and gratitude at every step of the journey.
Since his arrival in the United States for medical treatment, Damir's progress has been remarkable, bringing hope to those who have followed his story.
The boy, who was practically declared terminally ill in Cuba, has shown a progressive recovery that contrasts with the initial diagnosis provided by Cuban doctors. His mother reported that on the island, he was declared dead and was a victim of severe medical negligence.
Installed in a hospital in Miami, the little one has started to respond positively to the treatments. His mother has not hidden her emotion in sharing that “he is fighting and continues to improve”, which reflects the positive impact of the medical care he is now receiving.
The difference in the quality of care has been evident, not only in the procedures performed but also in the life expectancy they have restored.
One of the most significant developments was the start of his specialized treatment, when he began chemotherapy in the United States with a medication that was not available in Cuba.
This step was made possible thanks to a humanitarian visa and a chain of solidarity that allowed for his urgent transfer to U.S. territory.
Despite the media pressure and public attention surrounding his case, his mother decided to keep the child's exact diagnosis private.
He did it, as he explained, to protect his son from unnecessary lawsuits and speculation, as he described in a post where he explained why he prefers not to reveal yet the specific illness that Damir is facing.
Frequently Asked Questions about the case of the Cuban boy Damir Ortiz
What is the current health status of Damir Ortiz?
Damir Ortiz has begun to breathe on his own and his health condition shows progressive recovery since arriving in Miami. His mother has reported that his vital signs are stable, although he is still facing medical challenges due to hospital-acquired infections, but he is receiving appropriate treatment.
What was the process of Damir's relocation to the United States like?
The transfer of Damir to the United States was made possible thanks to a collective mobilization of Cuban civil society, which raised funds and overcame bureaucratic obstacles to obtain a humanitarian visa. He was transferred on an air ambulance to Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, where he is now receiving specialized treatment.
What diagnosis did Damir receive in Cuba and what is his current situation?
In Cuba, Damir was misdiagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, but this diagnosis was ruled out in the United States. His mother reported medical negligence and inadequate treatment on the island. Currently, Damir is being treated for type 1 neurofibromatosis and other health issues in Miami.
How has healthcare in Miami impacted Damir's recovery?
Healthcare in Miami has been essential for Damir's improvement. He has received specialized treatments and an accurate diagnosis that were not available in Cuba. His mother has emphasized the quality and transparency of the healthcare system in the United States, which has allowed for a more effective and hopeful approach to his recovery.
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