The story of little Meral Vaillan Figueredo, a three-year-old Cuban girl suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia Type BT, has touched the hearts of hundreds of people following the desperate plea of her mother, Niuvis Figueredo, who is urgently seeking support through a humanitarian visa to save her daughter's life.
In a message posted this week on Facebook, Niuvis explained with anguish that the little girl, despite being "cheerful, happy, a warrior, and brave," is now facing a critical situation.
After receiving an initial treatment and maintenance with pills, subsequent tests—including bone marrow, lumbar puncture, biopsy, and minimal residual—showed altered results indicating infiltration of the bone marrow.
For eight months, she underwent outpatient COAD treatment without positive results. Subsequently, she was admitted to the Hematology and Immunology Institute in Vedado to receive intensive treatment with aggressive chemotherapy, to which she initially responded positively.
However, his condition has worsened after developing autoimmune hemolytic anemia, a condition in which white blood cells attack and destroy red blood cells, further compromising his health.
"At this moment she is at risk. Please, I am once again requesting a humanitarian visa or help from anyone who can assist me. Everything has a solution in due time; please, I'm asking as a desperate mother. It is important to save my little girl; there is still time," the mother wrote, pleading for her case to go viral and reach the relevant authorities who can grant the necessary medical and immigration authorization.
This call is not the first one made by Niuvis.
In June, she posted a similar plea on her social media, requesting international help so that her daughter could receive a bone marrow transplant that would give her a real chance at life.
On that occasion, she even shared her contact number and requested that her case be spread "so that her marrow remains in remission."
The case has started to receive support online.
The Cuban singer Dayamí La Musa shared a message of solidarity on Instagram: "My good people, let's help this warrior obtain a humanitarian visa for her princess. Share it on your pages or with anyone you think could help restore those smiles."
Similarly, the activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, known for highlighting the situations of sick Cubans or those in vulnerable conditions, publicly denounced the case.
In a lengthy post on Facebook, it was reminded that although the girl has fought bravely since her diagnosis, time is running against her.
"She is currently suffering from Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (…) Her mother, Niuvís Figueredo, desperate, is urgently seeking support through a Humanitarian Visa or any international aid that could save her daughter's life. There is still time to find a solution, but swift action is required," she detailed.
Meral's situation once again brings to the forefront the debate on the crisis of the Cuban healthcare system, marked by shortages of medications, medical supplies, and access to advanced treatments.
In this regard, family members and activists insist that the only hope for the little girl is to leave the country to access a transplant and specialized treatments that are not available in Cuba.
Meanwhile, Niuvís continues her campaign on social media, holding on to faith and solidarity: "Please, I am a desperate mother asking. It is important to save my little girl."
Frequently Asked Questions about Access to Medical Treatments for Cuban Children with Serious Illnesses
Why does Meral Vaillan Figueredo's mother apply for a humanitarian visa?
The mother of Meral, Niuvis Figueredo, is requesting a humanitarian visa so that her daughter can receive a bone marrow transplant abroad, as the specialized treatments necessary to address her daughter's acute lymphoblastic leukemia are not available in Cuba. The child's situation is critical due to the lack of adequate medical resources on the island.
What problems does the healthcare system in Cuba face according to the Meral case?
The healthcare system in Cuba is facing a crisis marked by the shortage of medications and medical supplies, which hinders the provision of advanced and appropriate treatments for complex diseases such as leukemia. This case highlights the lack of necessary infrastructure to perform procedures like bone marrow transplants, which are vital for saving lives.
What other stories similar to Meral's exist in Cuba?
There are several similar cases, such as that of Jorge Esteban Reina Llerena, who is also awaiting a humanitarian visa to receive a bone marrow transplant in the United States. The situation of many Cuban children with severe illnesses illustrates the desperation of families seeking treatments unavailable in Cuba. These cases have sparked calls for help and solidarity campaigns on social media.
What role do social networks play in these health cases in Cuba?
Social media has become a crucial tool for raising awareness about these cases and requesting international help. The families of sick children turn to platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share their stories and seek support, hoping that their pleas reach the relevant authorities and compassionate individuals who can provide assistance.
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