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The young Cuban Lester Domínguez, victim of a brutal machete attack in Holguín in March 2023, will be able to undergo a new surgery as part of his long and painful recovery process.
His father, Dennis Domínguez, reported on Tuesday on Facebook that, after performing an MRI, the doctors confirmed that the boy "can indeed undergo surgery for the inverted vertebrae."
The family has had to ensure the necessary supplies and medications due to the scarcity that hospitals in the country are facing, and in the coming days, a definitive date for the intervention will be provided.
"Let’s hope everything goes well and that God, alongside the doctors, continues to restore him," wrote Dennis, once again expressing gratitude for the support received.
A sequel to the attack that changed his life
In a previous post, dated August 4, the father explained that Lester was found to have inverted vertebrae, a serious bone condition that threatens to cause arthritis and worsen his already delicate health.
The injury adds to the list of aftereffects he has been dealing with since the attack in 2023, when assailants assaulted him with machetes to steal his cell phone.
Since then, Lester -who suffered an incomplete C5 spinal cord injury- has had to undergo multiple surgeries, treatments, and rehabilitations both in Holguín and at the Julito Díaz hospital in Havana.
Although it has gained sensitivity and certain movements, it still hasn't been able to walk and continues to be in a long and complex recovery process.
A symbol of resilience amid scarcity
Lester's case has become a symbol of resistance and hope in Cuba.
His father, in addition to accompanying him at every stage, has repeatedly denounced the shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system, which complicate access to proper treatments and minimum conditions for rehabilitation.
On several occasions, Dennis has confessed that he has been forced to rely on the support of family members in exile and that he has even considered leaving the country to seek specialized medical care that the island cannot provide.
"The child sees that everything becomes more difficult with the problems of blackouts in Cuba and does not have the necessary conditions for his development," he said on one occasion.
Renewed hope
Despite the difficulties, the confirmation that he can undergo surgery for the inverted vertebrae represents a new hope on Lester's path.
His family is grateful to God, the doctors, and all the people who have supported this process with solidarity and prayers.
Almost two and a half years since the attack that nearly cost him his life, the story of Lester Domínguez highlights not only the impact of violence and insecurity in Cuba but also the strength of a young man who, against all odds, continues to fight for his mobility and his future.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Lester Domínguez Case and the Healthcare System in Cuba
Who is Lester Domínguez and why is his case significant?
Lester Domínguez is a young Cuban who was brutally attacked with machetes in 2023 to steal his cell phone in Holguín. His case is significant because it highlights the shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system, as well as the insecurity and violence affecting the population. Lester has undergone multiple surgeries and treatments due to the aftermath of the attack, becoming a symbol of resilience and hope in Cuba.
What medical complications does Lester Domínguez face after the attack?
After the attack, Lester suffered an incomplete C5 spinal cord injury and has been diagnosed with reversed vertebrae, a severe bone condition that threatens to cause arthritis. These aftereffects have required multiple surgeries and treatments, and although he has managed to regain some sensitivity and movement, he still cannot walk and is undergoing a long and complex rehabilitation process.
How has the Cuban healthcare system affected Lester's recovery?
The Cuban healthcare system, characterized by a shortage of supplies and resources, has significantly complicated Lester Domínguez's access to appropriate treatments and minimum conditions for his rehabilitation. His family has had to secure the necessary supplies, and on several occasions, they have relied on the support of Cubans in exile to cover his medical care. These challenges reflect a structural crisis in the healthcare system of Cuba.
What has been the role of solidarity in Lester Domínguez's recovery process?
Solidarity has been essential in the recovery process of Lester Domínguez. His father has pointed out the shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system and has received support from relatives in exile and the Cuban community in general. This support has been crucial in accessing treatments and facing the medical and economic difficulties resulting from the attack. Lester has become a symbol of resistance and hope, and his case has raised awareness among many people both on and off the island.
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