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Rafaela Beatriz Guilarte Zuñiga, a Cuban mother living in Texas, is seeking help to cover the medical care for her 20-month-old baby who has a rare neurological condition.
Guilarte Zuñiga has launched a Gofundme campaign to cover his move to Orlando, Florida, from Corpus Christi, Texas, where his baby, Gareth, "the reason for his life," will be able to receive care at a specialized clinic.
"I arrived in the United States four years ago in search of a better future. What I didn't expect was to face the greatest challenge as a mother: when my son was just two months old, he began showing symptoms that led us to undergo multiple tests and medical consultations," says this Cuban mother.
"Finally, she received a devastating diagnosis: bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria, a rare neurological condition that causes uncontrollable seizures, developmental delay, motor difficulties, and progressive brain degeneration," she specifies.
Gareth also suffers from "agenesis of the corpus callosum, a brain malformation that affects communication between the hemispheres of the brain."
The young woman explains that during the pregnancy, the genetic tests for Gareth, as well as for her and her husband, came back negative for any abnormalities.
"We currently live in Corpus Christi, Texas, where my son has been examined by several neurologists. However, the same specialists have told us that there is nothing more they can do, and they recommended that we seek care at a medical center with more experience in these types of conditions," he explains.
After a month in the hospital, this mother has decided to move to Orlando, where "there are hospitals recognized for their high level of advanced pediatric neurology."
"This change brings significant challenges. My son requires constant care 24 hours a day, so I can't work, and my husband is currently the sole provider for our household. Moving means starting from scratch: with no close support network, no job yet, and many expenses ahead," she continues to explain.
In this way, these Cuban mothers turn to assistance to "cover moving expenses, housing, medical care, and basic maintenance while my husband finds a new job and we manage to stabilize ourselves."
"It has not been easy to write these words. I have always approached this process with discretion, trusting that this phase is temporary. But I have a word from God, a promise that sustains me: that this diagnosis will change for the better. And I believe it," she confessed.
"If you can support us with a donation, you will be directly part of this miracle. And if you can't, I sincerely thank you for sharing this campaign with others. Thank you for taking the time to read our message and for being part of this new beginning for Gareth and our family," she concludes.
The plea for help from this mother has already reached nearly 11,000 dollars of the 16,000 she aims to raise.
Frequently Asked Questions about Help for Gareth and Medical Difficulties in Cuba
What is the medical condition of Rafaela Guilarte's baby in Texas?
Rafaela Guilarte's baby, Gareth, suffers from bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria, a rare neurological condition that causes seizures, developmental delays, and brain degeneration. Additionally, he has agenesis of the corpus callosum, which impacts communication between the brain's hemispheres.
Why is Rafaela Guilarte requesting financial assistance?
Rafaela Guilarte is requesting assistance to cover the costs of transportation and medical care at a specialized clinic in Orlando, Florida. She and her family are facing significant financial challenges as she needs to relocate, and her husband is the sole earner while she cares for their child around the clock.
What difficulties do other Cuban families with sick children face in Cuba?
Cuban families face serious difficulties in accessing adequate medical treatments due to the lack of resources and equipment in Cuba. Cases like that of Caleb Aguilera, who needs a drainage system that does not exist in the country, and that of Ahitana, who requires a solar system to maintain her breathing, illustrate the crisis of the Cuban healthcare system.
How has the Cuban community responded to these situations of need?
The Cuban community has shown great solidarity through fundraising campaigns and the use of platforms like GoFundMe to assist families in need. Many cases, such as that of Damir Ortiz, have managed to secure the necessary resources to receive treatment abroad thanks to the mobilization and support of Cubans both on the island and abroad.
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