Ahitana is a Cuban girl who has been connected to a ventilator for almost two years at the Pediatric Hospital of Pinar del Río.
Her mother, Marielys Pérez, requested help through social media, explaining that her daughter suffers from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, an advanced epileptic encephalopathy that has severely impacted her neurological development.
According to Marielys, Ahitana was born healthy, but at eight months, she began to suffer from severe seizures.
From then on, her health deteriorated rapidly: “My daughter's brain couldn't withstand the intensity of those seizures. Her neurons shut down. Now more than 70% aren’t functioning, they don’t respond,” she wrote on Facebook.
After several hospital admissions, the little girl underwent a tracheostomy to assist with breathing and a gastrostomy to allow for feeding.
Since then, she has depended on an artificial ventilator to live. Marielys has been living with her in the hospital for a year and seven months.
Thanks to the kindness of several people, the family has managed to settle in a house near the hospital in Pinar del Río, as they cannot return to Viñales, their hometown, due to Ahitana's medical condition.
However, there are still fundamental conditions needed for the girl to be discharged and continue her treatment at home.
"The house needs a solar system that can back up electricity during power outages and allow a split unit to be turned on, because Ahitana doesn't regulate her body temperature. Her artificial fan needs to operate in a cool place," her mother explained.
Marielys also reported the shortage of medications, cannulas, and other essential medical supplies for her daughter: “The situation here in Cuba is very complicated. There are medications that cannot be found, and when they do appear, their prices are very high because they are extremely potent,” she lamented.
The mother has shared her contact number for those who can help: +53 56912239 (via WhatsApp).
Through this medium, details are provided about the bank accounts and shipping methods for those who wish to help create the necessary conditions to finally get Ahitana out of the hospital.
"I need it so much... to have my two children together. That my little girl, for the time that God allows her to live, is at home, enjoying the company of her brother," she concluded.
The story of this Cuban mother is a testament to unwavering love and sacrifice. In an effort to cover her daughter's medical expenses, she was compelled to sell her hair, demonstrating how far a mother can go for the well-being of her child.
In addition to this act of selflessness, she has sought help on several occasions to ensure her daughter's health. In March 2024, she requested support to obtain a ventilator, essential for the stability of the child, facing the harsh reality of shortages in Cuba.
The struggle didn't end there. In May of the same year, she once again appealed to solidarity to acquire an essential medical device for her daughter. Through social media and news outlets, she requested support to purchase a device that would ensure her well-being, highlighting the challenges that many Cuban families face in accessing vital medical supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ahitana's Health Situation and the Healthcare System in Cuba
Why does Ahitana need a solar energy system to leave the hospital?
Ahitana needs a solar energy system to ensure the operation of her artificial fan during frequent power outages in Cuba. Her mother explained that, in addition, the fan must operate in a cool environment, so it is also necessary to turn on an air conditioner. Without a solar system, these critical requirements cannot be met, preventing the girl from being able to go home.
What challenges does Marielys Pérez face in the treatment of her daughter Ahitana?
Marielys Pérez faces shortages of medications, medical supplies, and adequate conditions for the care of her daughter. The lack of resources in Cuba has complicated access to essential treatments, and the scarcity of medications has driven up the cost of those that are available. This situation reflects the widespread crisis in the Cuban healthcare system.
How has the community helped Marielys and Ahitana?
The community has shown its support through donations and spreading the word about the case on social media. Thanks to the solidarity of many people, the family has been able to move to a home close to the hospital that provides better conditions for Ahitana, although resources are still needed to install a solar energy system and cover other medical needs.
What does Ahitana's situation reflect about the Cuban healthcare system?
The situation of Ahitana highlights the severe crisis of the healthcare system in Cuba, characterized by a lack of medical supplies and basic medications. This crisis jeopardizes the lives of patients with chronic conditions and underscores the inefficiency of the Cuban government in ensuring the health of its population, particularly in cases of high medical complexity.
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