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Lester Domínguez, the young man from Holguín who suffered a spinal injury following a violent machete attack in 2023, is preparing for delicate surgery on his neck vertebrae.
His father, Dennis Domínguez, reported on social media that he will soon undergo a new surgery, necessary to improve mobility and prevent additional complications.
"The doctors have the conditions ready for the surgery on the inverted vertebrae in the neck, they have the plates, the intubation that will be needed, and other medical supplies," he wrote on Facebook.
You will have to be bedridden again for two to three months, he specified.
Dennis recalled that Lester had already overcome extreme situations after that attack that nearly killed him: a tracheotomy, mechanical ventilation, bedsores, and multiple medical complications. That's why he believes he will pull through again now.
"We are aware of the risks involved, because Cuba's hospitals are not even 30 percent of what they used to be," he stated.
"We have the experience that when the tracheostomy was being performed, the power went out in the operating room and the doctors ended up using their cell phones for light," he detailed.
This brave father continues to pray for his son's complete healing. "Let us hope that God continues to perform the miracle of restoring him alongside the doctors."
A long and painful road
At the end of August, Dennis reported that an MRI confirmed the need for this intervention, essential to prevent complications such as arthritis and a worsening of the young man's condition.
The family has had to provide supplies and medications that are not available in Cuban hospitals due to the profound crisis in the healthcare system.
The injury to the vertebrae adds to the serious list of consequences that Lester has been dealing with since March 2023, when he was attacked with machetes in a robbery to steal his cell phone.
The blow caused him an incomplete C5 spinal cord injury, which left him in a wheelchair and forced him to undergo multiple surgeries and rehabilitation both in Holguín and at the Julito Díaz hospital in Havana.
Although he has regained some sensitivity and a few movements, Lester still has not been able to walk and is undergoing a long and complex rehabilitation process.
Shortages, complaints, and solidarity
A few days ago, Dennis requested help to obtain an orthopedic brace, essential for his son while waiting for the surgery.
On that occasion, he clarified that the operation did not have a date yet for medical safety reasons, but emphasized that any collaboration could make a difference. Those interested in providing support can contact the number 50112552.
Lester's case has become a symbol of resistance and hope in Cuba.
However, it also reflects the enormous difficulties that patients face in a hospital system hit by shortages of supplies and frequent power outages.
Dennis has not hesitated to report these shortcomings and has considered on more than one occasion the possibility of seeking medical attention outside the country.
Despite everything, the family insists on expressing their gratitude for the support received and the prayers that accompany them.
A story marked by violence and resilience
Two and a half years after the attack that nearly killed him, Lester's life is a testament to the impact of rising insecurity in Cuba, but also to the courage and resilience of a young man who, against all odds, is fighting to regain his mobility and his future.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Lester Domínguez and the Health System in Cuba
Why does Lester Domínguez need a new surgery?
Lester Domínguez needs new surgery to correct the reverse vertebrae in his neck, a condition that threatens to cause arthritis and further complicate his recovery following the violent assault he experienced in 2023. This intervention is crucial for improving his mobility and preventing additional complications.
What challenges does Lester's family face regarding his medical treatment?
Lester's family faces severe shortages in the Cuban healthcare system, which forces them to ensure the necessary supplies and medications for his treatment on their own. Furthermore, the ongoing lack of resources and power outages in the hospitals further complicate his recovery and access to adequate medical care.
How has violence impacted Lester Domínguez's life?
Lester Domínguez's life has been dramatically affected by a violent assault in 2023, where he was attacked with a machete. This incident left him with an incomplete C5 spinal injury, which has kept him in a wheelchair and forced him to undergo multiple surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation process.
What does Lester's case symbolize in the current Cuban context?
The case of Lester Domínguez has become a symbol of resistance and hope in Cuba. In addition to reflecting the impact of increasing insecurity and violence in the country, it also highlights his family's ongoing struggle against the shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.
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