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A 19-year-old Cuban girl is facing a serious health situation due to terminal chronic kidney disease and is asking for help from the community abroad in her fight for life.
Cecilia Alexa Zelié Pérez, a resident of the San Miguel del Padrón municipality in Havana, was diagnosed at the age of 14 with nephrotic syndrome due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a condition that has severely impaired the function of her kidneys.
Since a year ago, she has depended on hemodialysis treatments three times a week to stay alive. However, her physical and emotional state is progressively deteriorating. Cecilia has expressed her desperation about this situation: “Mom, I don't want to live connected to a machine… I want to live like everyone else.”
According to her mother's testimony, Teresa Pérez, the young woman is medically fit to receive a kidney transplant, but at this moment the surgical procedure cannot be performed in Cuba due to a shortage of medical supplies.
This is compounded by the lack of reagents for clinical tests, essential medications, vitamins, and even hospital-grade iron, which are necessary after each dialysis session.
Cecilia's latest tests reveal a critical health condition: creatinine at 995 umol/L, hemoglobin at 9.2 g/dL, chronic anemia, uncontrolled hypertension, and a state of complete emotional exhaustion.
In addition to the medical limitations, the young woman and her mother live in precarious conditions. Their home, built with fiberglass cement, has cracks in the walls and lacks potable water and functional sanitary facilities.
The family survives on a
Before the illness interrupted her life, Cecilia was studying nursing with the desire to care for others. Today, her greatest aspiration is simply to live with dignity.
In order to improve their quality of life and explore treatment options abroad, a fundraising campaign has been initiated through the platform GoFundMe.
The campaign organizers state that the funds will be allocated for the purchase of medications, nutritional supplements, transportation to attend treatments, and urgent home improvements, as well as the necessary medical arrangements for a possible transplant outside of Cuba.
They also indicate that this campaign is supported by documentation, including clinical certificates, lab results, and medical prescriptions that validate the case's authenticity. Those interested in contributing can directly contact the young woman's mother by phone at number +53 5 6374008.
The story of Cecilia reflects the limitations of the Cuban healthcare system in cases of high medical complexity, and the urgent need for solidarity to save a young life that still holds dreams, despite adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Situation in Cuba and the Aid Campaign for Cecilia Alexa Zelié Pérez
Why does Cecilia Alexa Zelié Pérez need a kidney transplant?
Cecilia Alexa Zelié Pérez, a 19-year-old Cuban, needs a kidney transplant due to suffering from end-stage chronic kidney disease. She was diagnosed at the age of 14 with nephrotic syndrome caused by segmental and focal glomerulosclerosis, which has severely impaired her kidney function. She currently depends on hemodialysis treatments to survive.
What is the situation of the healthcare system in Cuba regarding kidney transplants?
The Cuban healthcare system is facing a serious crisis of supplies and resources, which has led to the virtual halt of kidney transplants. Although it is officially stated that they resumed in 2022, many patients and doctors report a chronic lack of basic supplies, medications, and specialized personnel. This prevents Cecilia, like other patients, from receiving the transplant in Cuba.
How is Cecilia being helped to receive the treatment she needs?
To help Cecilia, a fundraising campaign has been launched through the GoFundMe platform. The goal is to raise money to cover the purchase of medications, nutritional supplements, transportation for treatments, improvements to her home, and costs related to a possible kidney transplant abroad.
What difficulties does Cecilia and her family face in Cuba?
Cecilia and her mother live in precarious conditions in a dilapidated home, lacking potable water and functional sanitary facilities. Furthermore, they survive on a minimal pension of 2,138 Cuban pesos, which exacerbates their vulnerability. The shortage of medical supplies and the lack of financial support are ongoing challenges for their family.
How can the international community help Cecilia Alexa Zelié Pérez?
The international community can assist Cecilia by contributing to the fundraising campaign on GoFundMe. The money raised will be allocated to medications, medical treatments abroad, and improvements to her housing. Additionally, those who wish to collaborate directly can contact her mother, Teresa Pérez, at the number +53 5 6374008.
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