The Cuban child Damir Ortiz Ramírez, who passed away this Saturday at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, departed peacefully after battling a widespread sepsis caused by a bacteria he contracted in Cuba, prior to being able to travel to the United States for specialized treatment.
In a heartbreaking video message shared on Facebook, Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano revealed that the young child, who had been hospitalized since March 12 at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, suffered from a multiorgan failure due to septicemia that had developed in response to a bacterial infection.
"It occurred due to the sepsis itself, because of the limited response of the bacteria to certain antibiotics that were used," Ruano recounted with great sorrow.
The doctor clarified that the septicemia caused the child, despite all the efforts made by the specialists and doctors at Nicklaus, to pass away at 5:00 am this Saturday.
"It was a terrible night and I want everyone to know that Damir left peacefully, that those final moments were not filled with suffering at all. The suffering was immense for us, but Damir passed away quite peacefully in those last moments of life," he shared with the people of Cuba, asserting that he did not experience pain before his passing.
In the message, Ruano explained that sepsis is a widespread infection that occurs when infectious germs enter the bloodstream, attack the entire body, and as a response, there is organ failure in a very short time, "which then leads to death."
"Although all existing advanced antibiotics were used, there was a very significant resistance of those bacteria to the antibiotics due to the poor antibiotic policy previously employed with Damir in Cuba," Ruano explained.
The infant's condition worsened on Friday afternoon due to the collapse of several organs as a result of sepsis. "Damir did not die from the underlying disease, that is, he did not die from cancer as such," argued the doctor.
The child arrived with two bacteria; one of them, the pseudomonas, caused a deterioration. Since Wednesday, he had been in a serious condition, said Diasniurka Salcedo during another live broadcast.
"Passed away with excellent care and the utmost effort from the doctors in Miami," acknowledged the opposition figure and human rights activist, who was one of the key players in the fight to save the child's life.
She also stated that Eliannis Ramírez, the boy's mother, is devastated. "She can't, she is grateful to them but she can't," Diasniurka said through tears.
Cubans will be able to say goodbye to the Cuban boy Damir Ortiz in the middle of this week at a funeral home in the city of Hialeah, in Miami-Dade County.
The funeral honors will take place at the Caballero Rivero funeral home in Hialeah, no later than Wednesday or Thursday. This location, situated at 373 W 9th St #377, was selected for its greater capacity to allow Cubans in exile to say their final goodbye to the little one.
Several supportive Cubans collaborated to coordinate the funeral services. Currently, the deceased is being picked up at Nicklaus Children's Hospital to be taken to the mortuary services of the funeral home.
Ruano and Diasniurka expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of solidarity and support from all Cubans who, in one way or another, collaborated in Damir's case and continue to stay attentive now to the funeral arrangements.
Frequently asked questions about the case of Damir Ortiz, the Cuban child who passed away in Miami
What was the cause of Damir Ortiz's death?
Damir Ortiz passed away due to widespread sepsis caused by an antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The bacterial infection was contracted in Cuba and became uncontrollable despite medical efforts at the hospital in Miami.
What problems did Damir face in the Cuban healthcare system?
Damir Ortiz faced misdiagnoses and inadequate treatments in Cuba, which worsened his health. He was a victim of medical negligence, as he was given incorrect treatments such as inappropriate chemotherapy, contributing to his decline.
How did Damir manage to get to the United States for treatment?
The transfer of Damir to the United States was made possible thanks to an intense fundraising campaign led by his mother and Cuban activists. They obtained a humanitarian visa after overcoming numerous bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the Cuban regime.
Where and when will the Cubans be able to say goodbye to little Damir?
Cubans will be able to say goodbye to Damir Ortiz in the Caballero Rivero funeral home in Hialeah, Miami-Dade, in the middle of this week. The funeral services will take place by Wednesday or Thursday at the latest, allowing the exile community to bid their final farewell.
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