Related videos:
Jesús, a young Cuban with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, celebrated his 23rd birthday this Tuesday surrounded by the love of his mother and supportive individuals who, once again, made a special day possible despite the harsh conditions faced by the family.
His mother, María Caridad Pérez, shared a message on social media in which she thanks the "angels" who helped celebrate her son's birthday.
"Only God knows what we have been through together, but together we will move forward," he wrote.
In her post, she reiterated her commitment to continue fighting for a humanitarian visa that would allow her to take Jesús out of the country for specialized medical care: “My struggles for your humanitarian visa continue; I will never give up.”
The story of this Cuban mother has been publicly shared for years. In January 2021, she wrote a letter to the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, asking him to understand firsthand the reality they faced in their home.
“I introduce you to my son, a young man who is ill and deserves to live,” he said, appealing directly to the sensitivity of the leader.
Jesús suffers from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, one of the most severe forms of childhood epilepsy, which causes multiple types of daily seizures, progressive cognitive decline, and severe disability.
Requires continuous medical attention, specialized therapies, and medications that are not easily found on the island.
His mother has reported on multiple occasions the shortage of medications, constant blackouts, which cause so much harm to her son, and the unsustainable living conditions for her child.
Over the years, he has applied for a humanitarian visa to the United States several times, without success.
The latest was rejected in December 2023, despite the medical reports confirming the young man's critical health condition.
In her struggle, she has sought support from sponsors, organizations, and people of good will, both within and outside of Cuba.
Jesus's 23rd birthday arrives in an equally challenging context: "I had nothing for you, but thanks to the angels, this day was special as you deserve," his mother wrote in a tone of gratitude, but also of perseverance.
Despite the refusals, he has not stopped seeking solutions. In each post, he repeats his hashtags like a cry of hope: #SOSJesus, #HumanitarianVisa, #Sponsorship.
“I love you, my life belongs to you until the end,” he concluded his message, addressed to the son he has silently accompanied every day, in the daily struggle, and in the endless wait for a response that has yet to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Sick Children in Cuba and the Search for Humanitarian Visas
Why is María Caridad Pérez fighting for a humanitarian visa for her son Jesús?
María Caridad Pérez is seeking a humanitarian visa for her son Jesús due to his suffering from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy that requires specialized medical attention and medications that are not available in Cuba.
What obstacles do Cuban families face in obtaining humanitarian visas?
Cuban families face bureaucratic obstacles and a lack of documentation provided by the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba, making it difficult to obtain the humanitarian visas necessary for medical treatment abroad.
How does Lennox-Gastaut syndrome affect Cuban children?
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a severe form of childhood epilepsy that causes multiple types of daily seizures, progressive cognitive decline and severe disability, requiring ongoing medical attention and medications that are difficult to obtain in Cuba.
What role do social media play in these health cases in Cuba?
Social media has become a crucial tool for highlighting the health situation in Cuba, allowing families to report the lack of resources and seek international support to obtain appropriate medical care for their children.
Filed under: