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The Cuban activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia responded on Monday to a series of attacks on social media accusing her of having misappropriated the funds raised to save the child Damir Ortiz Ramírez, who passed away a few weeks ago at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami.
In a Facebook post, Salcedo shared detailed figures regarding the money received during the humanitarian campaign, as well as how it was utilized.
Additionally, it showed evidence of the procedures for the funds raised through the GoFundMe platform in an initial campaign to be returned to the donors at the request of her and the minor's mother, Eliannis Ramírez.
According to the explanation, on March 19, Ramírez personally delivered the sum of 31,163 dollars (remaining from the 57,163.14 dollars raised in record time for the ambulance), when Damir was still alive in the hospital and responding well to treatment.
"The money was what was left over from the ambulance fundraising," Salcedo stated, explaining that the funds were obtained through various means:
Zelle: 48,155.13 USD
Cash: 1,492 USD
PayPal: 4,340 USD
Freely Convertible Currency (FCC): 3,913 FCC, equivalent to approximately 3,176 USD
Total raised: 57,163.14 dollars
From that total, it clarifies, 26,000 dollars were used to pay for Damir's transfer in an air ambulance from Cuba to Miami.
The remaining amount was delivered directly to the child's mother, who has used it to cover medical, funeral, and personal expenses.
Salcedo also clarified that a portion of the money raised in Cuba—over 2 million Cuban pesos—could not be transferred at the time, but it was ultimately recovered and is being used by Eliannis to help other children in critical situations on the island.
“I have all the bank statements and the ambulance contract. Endless thanks to everyone. I wish all the money in the world could bring Damir back to us. His life changed mine and many others, for the better,” expressed Salcedo Verdecia.
The activist's clarifications come amid various accusations of alleged mismanagement of funds raised for this and other cases, which many see as part of efforts to tarnish the work of those who managed to bring Damir out of Cuba, despite the multiple bureaucratic obstacles imposed by the regime.
Salcedo Verdecia has been a recognized activist for providing assistance to thousands of people in Cuba, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, through the delivery of medicines that were scarce in the island's pharmacies.
In a first post, she stated that the smear campaigns, which she believes are designed to discourage her from the fight, will not have any effect nor will they divert her from "the most important" thing, which is to help "the abandoned Cubans" by the regime.
The death of Damir, a victim of an aggressive bacteria and years of medical negligence in his home country, has left a deep mark on the Cuban community.
His case not only highlighted the severe shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system, but it also sparked a wave of solidarity both inside and outside the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the case of Damir Ortiz Ramírez
How was the money raised used for Damir Ortiz Ramírez?
The funds raised for Damir Ortiz Ramírez were primarily used to cover his air ambulance transport from Cuba to Miami, amounting to $26,000. The remaining funds were given to his mother, Eliannis Ramírez, to cover medical, funeral, and personal expenses. Additionally, evidence of the procedures to return the money raised on GoFundMe was presented at the request of the boy's mother and activist Idelisa Salcedo.
What illnesses did Damir Ortiz Ramírez suffer from?
Damir Ortiz Ramírez was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 and a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, as well as acute leukemia, which was later ruled out in Miami. These serious medical conditions significantly compromised his health, requiring specialized medical care that was not available in Cuba.
Why is it considered that the Cuban healthcare system failed in the case of Damir?
The Cuban healthcare system failed in Damir's case due to an incorrect diagnosis and inadequate treatment, which worsened his health. Furthermore, the poor antibiotic management in Cuba led to severe sepsis from resistant bacteria that ultimately contributed to his death. This case highlighted serious shortcomings and bureaucratic obstacles within the Cuban healthcare system.
What impact did the Damir case have on the Cuban community?
The case of Damir Ortiz Ramírez sparked a wave of solidarity both within and outside of Cuba. The Cuban community mobilized to raise funds and overcome bureaucratic obstacles so that Damir could receive treatment in the United States. His story also highlighted the shortcomings of the healthcare system in Cuba and generated a call to action to improve medical care on the island.
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