The young Cuban Dayan Sotolongo, who suffers from elephantiasis in both legs, has received an electric scooter thanks to the solidarity of several compatriots living in Miami.
The news was shared by Dayan himself through a video in which he expresses his happiness at being able to move around easily.
The gift was organized by activist Osvany Sánchez, known on social media as Pesca en Miami, with the collaboration of influencer El Explotao and others who helped make the delivery of the vehicle in Havana possible.
"I know that I won't be able to help everyone, but I will always leave my blessings in every action I take with each person in need," Sánchez said while expressing gratitude for the support received.
Dayan had publicly requested the scooter about a month ago. The young man has been facing significant challenges in walking for years, to the extent that he can only cover a block or a block and a half before becoming completely exhausted.
Although Pesca explained at that moment that he did not have an agency to transport the vehicle from the United States, he asked for help from his followers, who soon responded to the call.
“God bless you, dad, what joy on your face,” he commented now on Facebook excitedly, upon seeing the video where Dayan tries the scooter for the first time inside his home.
A long road of struggle and waiting
Dayan Sotolongo, 20 years old, suffers from stage four lymphedema in both extremities, a serious condition that he has been trying to treat in Cuba without success since childhood.
But in addition to his illness, he faces a complex bureaucratic process that has prevented him from accessing the appropriate treatment. After a year of dealing with paperwork and seeking help online, he still cannot travel to Spain for surgery.
According to a report in February, the government (the Ministry of Public Health) has denied him the document explaining that there is no cure for him in Cuba, which is necessary for processing a humanitarian visa.
Thanks to donations, he raised the necessary funds to pay for the trip and admission to Spain, where a doctor offered to treat him. However, in a family tragedy that occurred in December, the specialist lost her husband and son during the natural phenomenon known as DANA in Valencia and is still undergoing therapy.
Dayan is now hoping that the doctor will return or that another physician will be assigned for his surgery. "If God allows it and if this government lets me go, because I need an authorization first," he explained.
"They have denied it to me a few times... Just like they haven't given it to the young man Damir, they probably haven't given it to me yet," he emphasized.
Without the necessary support from the Cuban health system and with a social pension of only 1,500 Cuban pesos, Dayan survives thanks to the solidarity of people who help him with food and money.
Meanwhile, he continues to fight to leave the country and receive treatment that will allow him to improve his quality of life.
The gift of the electric scooter, although it provides great relief for his daily mobility, is just one step further on a path filled with challenges and waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dayan Sotolongo's Situation and the Healthcare System in Cuba
How has Dayan Sotolongo received an electric scooter?
Dayan Sotolongo received an electric scooter thanks to the solidarity of several Cubans in Miami. Activist Osvany Sánchez and influencer El Explotao, along with other collaborators, facilitated the delivery of the vehicle in Havana to enhance his mobility, as Dayan suffers from elephantiasis in both legs.
Why hasn't Dayan Sotolongo been able to travel to Spain to treat his illness?
Dayan has been unable to travel to Spain because the Cuban government has denied him a necessary document to process a humanitarian visa. This document must demonstrate that there is no available treatment for his illness in Cuba. Although he has gathered the necessary funds for the trip, the lack of this documentation prevents him from leaving the country.
What is the current situation of the Cuban health system according to the case of Dayan Sotolongo?
The Cuban healthcare system faces serious limitations, including bureaucratic issues and a lack of resources. In Dayan's case, the system has not provided an accurate diagnosis or adequate treatment, and has also denied essential documentation for him to seek medical attention abroad.
What difficulties does Dayan Sotolongo face in his daily life due to his condition?
Dayan faces significant difficulties walking due to elephantiasis, being able to cover only one block before becoming exhausted. His mobility has improved noticeably thanks to the electric scooter he received, but he still relies on the support of others to survive, as his social pension is insufficient.
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