The Cuban comedian Limay Blanco, who is known for helping people, broke down in tears during a live broadcast while asking for help for the most needy families in the country, after revealing that his wife is sick amidst the health crisis that Cuba is experiencing due to the spike in dengue, chikungunya, and other arboviral diseases.
In a post made on Sunday on his social media, Limay shared a message of deep human and supportive content: “I ask you from the bottom of my heart to help me help. I cannot imagine a mother with her desperate child,” he wrote.
In the text, he requested donations to buy mosquito nets, thermometers, rechargeable fans, fever-reducing medications, rehydration salts, and repellents, with the aim of providing them to mothers with sick children, in a context where some of those products are sold in dollars in the regime's stores.
"Even if it's just 20 cents, help me help," the comedian requested, assuring that he would publish videos of each delivery to the beneficiary mothers.
Hours later, in response to the wave of messages and donations received, Limay held a live broadcast to clarify that his appeal was not to raise money intended for his wife.
"Thank God I have a rechargeable fan, I have duragina to bring down the fever, I have incense for the mosquitoes, I have a mosquito net, and a device that provides me with power for five hours. I'm not asking for money for my wife," he explained through tears.
The artist insisted that his purpose is to help the most vulnerable families, especially those lacking electricity, medication, or basic conditions to care for their children during a fever or infection.
"I imagine a mother with a small child, without light, without a thermometer, with nothing. I can't change the country, but I can do something. If I manage to deliver a thousand thermometers or a thousand mosquito nets, that's already something," he expressed, visibly moved.
Blanco also acknowledged that, despite the criticism he receives on social media, he will remain committed to his charitable work.
"Years ago, I couldn’t sleep because I was thinking about myself, but for the past six years, I haven’t slept thinking about how to help. God changed my life. If they call me crazy, a thief, or shameless, it doesn’t matter. I know what I’m doing and why I’m doing it," he said.
The comedian, one of the most popular artists in Cuba, has been directing the Cristo Cambia Vidas project for several years, through which he has provided homes, food, medicine, and basic necessities to hundreds of needy families in different provinces of the country.
Many of those aids come from donations made by their supporters, both on the island and in the Cuban exile community.
The situation that inspired this new appeal occurs at a time of severe health crisis, with hospitals overwhelmed and a shortage of medications, while authorities acknowledge the circulation of several strains of the dengue virus and other arboviruses throughout almost the entire national territory.
Amidst that emergency, Limay Blanco's initiative has been met with a mix of admiration and sadness by thousands of users, who highlight her human commitment in contrast to the indifference of official institutions.
"It hurts to see Limay like this, but it is also comforting to know that there are still Cubans who do not look the other way," commented an internet user from Matanzas.
Despite the emotional toll that the act of solidarity entails, Blanco reaffirmed his commitment: “I may not be able to solve Cuba's problems, but I can ease a mother's pain a little. If we all come together, we can achieve much more.”
The artist concluded his video by asking for prayers for his wife's swift recovery and for the families affected by the health crisis.
"God bless you, help me to help," he repeated with a trembling voice before saying goodbye.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Solidarity Work of Limay Blanco and the Health Crisis in Cuba
What is the objective of Limay Blanco's aid campaign?
Limay Blanco seeks to help the most vulnerable families in Cuba, especially those with sick children who lack electricity, medications, and basic care conditions. Her campaign is requesting donations of mosquito nets, thermometers, rechargeable fans, and other necessary supplies to tackle the health crisis caused by dengue and other arboviral diseases.
How can one collaborate with Limay Blanco's initiative?
To collaborate with Limay Blanco's initiative, monetary or in-kind donations can be made. Contributions can be sent through accounts in national currency, freely convertible currency, and Zelle, or via the DestinyTravel agency in Miami. Limay is committed to documenting the delivery of supplies to families in need.
What is the current health situation in Cuba that prompts this assistance?
Cuba faces a serious health crisis, characterized by a surge in dengue, chikungunya, and other arboviral diseases. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and there is a critical shortage of medications, leaving many families without access to basic treatments. This situation is further exacerbated by power outages and a lack of medical supplies.
How has the current situation impacted the daily lives of Cuban families?
The health and economic crisis in Cuba has had a devastating impact on the daily lives of families. Many mothers face extreme difficulties in feeding their children due to food shortages and frequent blackouts. This situation is further exacerbated by the lack of medications and medical supplies, making motherhood a constant challenge of resilience and sacrifice.
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