A Cuban girl suffering from leukemia urgently needs help to receive treatment in the United States because there are no viable options for her in Cuba. Lia Isabel García Torres, a five-year-old, was diagnosed last year with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is currently admitted to the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital in Havana.
Cuban activist Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia announced on her Facebook profile that a hospital in the United States is willing to treat Lia, but it will not cover the expenses. "The total cost of her treatment over two years is still unknown, so it is crucial that everyone who wants to save Lia can donate," she explained. "Even five or ten dollars can make a significant difference for this girl who wants to live and needs our help. Let's help Lia, because she can be cured!" she emphasized.
Diasniurka shared the link to the GoFundMe account set up for donations. At the time of writing, only $355 had been raised out of a $30,000 goal. The Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami has accepted Lia's case, but her family needs financial support to cover the costs.
Days ago, Lia's mother, Yailé Torres, appealed for help to obtain a humanitarian visa. For anyone interested in making a donation, her phone number is +53 55357831, and her bank account details are MN 9205 0699 9292 4240 and MLC 9235 0699 9561 9718.
Lia began experiencing health issues in October, including an inflamed liver and spleen, and extremely low platelet and hemoglobin levels. At the William Soler Hospital in Havana, she was diagnosed with leukemia, with nearly 98% of her bone marrow filled with malignant cells. She was transferred to the Juan Manuel Márquez Hospital to begin chemotherapy, but she had an adverse reaction and was placed in critical intensive care. The doctors gave her only hours to live as her heart had enlarged significantly, and she had fluid in her lungs and severe liver and kidney damage.
"During this time, I have struggled a lot to get treatment because, sadly, in Cuba, there is a severe lack of everything, including medications. I have even had to use substitute medications, not the ones I actually need, as well as a shortage of medical supplies like syringes and tapes," explained the person who started the GoFundMe petition.
Lia is currently receiving high-risk IV treatments, but once this is over, she will need to take pills that have not been available in Cuba for about four years.
Urgent Help Needed for Lia Isabel García Torres
Here are some common questions and answers regarding Lia's situation and how you can help:
What condition does Lia Isabel García Torres have?
Lia Isabel García Torres has been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Why does Lia need treatment in the United States?
Cuba lacks the necessary resources and medications to treat Lia's condition effectively, making it essential for her to receive treatment in the United States.
How can people help Lia and her family?
People can donate to the GoFundMe account set up for Lia's treatment, or contact her mother, Yailé Torres, for other ways to contribute. Her phone number is +53 55357831.
What is the goal of the GoFundMe campaign?
The GoFundMe campaign aims to raise $30,000 to cover the cost of Lia's treatment in the United States.