The ashes of the Cuban child Damir Ortiz Ramírez, who passed away this Saturday at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, will remain in this city in the United States, where his mother, Eliannis Ramírez, has applied for political asylum.
The news was confirmed on Facebook by activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, one of the key advocates for the minor's relocation from Cuba to receive specialized medical treatment.
“To those who are worried about Eliannis, I want to let you know that after the wake (the date of which has yet to be determined), the child's ashes will remain in Miami, as his mother will not return after having applied for political asylum,” he explained.
The activist Aylin Díaz, one of the key figures in bringing Damir to the United States, emphasized on Facebook that Eliannis Ramírez "fears returning to Cuba due to the reprisals against him and for his notable effort in exposing everything he experienced," she explained, referring to the reasons for his decision.
The activist also stated that the day and location of the wake will be communicated in due time, so that those who wish to attend and say goodbye to the little one can do so.
Damir, who is 10 years old, was diagnosed at the age of two with neurofibromatosis type 1 and suffered from multiple health complications.
His condition worsened after contracting a bacteria in Cuba, which led to widespread sepsis and, eventually, multiple organ failure.
He arrived in the United States in critical condition on March 12, after an intense fundraising campaign led by his mother and supported by several activists and doctors, who poured their hearts and efforts into saving the child's life.
The minor did not die from the underlying illness, but rather from an infection caused by resistant bacteria, worsened by the lack of access to appropriate antibiotic treatment in Cuba, as explained by Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez.
"Damir did not die of cancer in the strict sense. He was a victim of severe sepsis caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a direct consequence of poor antibiotic management in Cuba," the physician specified in a social media broadcast.
Damir's case profoundly shocked the Cuban community both on the island and abroad. His story highlighted the deep shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system, as well as the bureaucratic obstacles families face in accessing quality medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions about the case of Damir Ortiz Ramírez and his medical situation
Why did Damir Ortiz Ramírez's mother decide not to return to Cuba?
Eliannis Ramírez, mother of Damir Ortiz Ramírez, decided not to return to Cuba after applying for political asylum in the United States due to the devastating loss of her son and the shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system. The lack of proper treatment and bureaucratic obstacles on the island contributed to the deterioration of Damir's health, prompting his mother to seek refuge and a fresh start in the United States.
What was the cause of Damir Ortiz Ramírez's death?
Damir Ortiz Ramírez passed away due to severe sepsis caused by a resistant bacteria that he contracted in Cuba. This bacterial infection, which led to multiple organ failure, was worsened by the poor antibiotic management on the island, which hindered effective treatment before his transfer to the United States.
What impact did the Damir case have on the Cuban community?
The case of Damir Ortiz Ramírez deeply shocked the Cuban community both on and off the island. His story highlighted the deficiencies of the Cuban healthcare system and the bureaucracy that families face in accessing quality medical care. Citizen mobilization and solidarity were crucial in the attempt to save his life, showcasing the strength of Cuban civil society in the face of the regime's inefficacy.
What difficulties did Damir's family face in relocating him to the United States?
Damir Ortiz Ramírez's family faced numerous bureaucratic hurdles in relocating him to the United States. The issuance of a humanitarian visa was initially denied due to the lack of documentation from the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba, which claimed to have the necessary resources to treat the minor. Furthermore, there were delays in obtaining the required permits for his transport by air ambulance. However, the pressure from activists and the solidarity of the Cuban community helped to overcome these obstacles.
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