The Cuban girl Amanda Lemus Ortiz beams with joy, bringing immense happiness to her father, as seen in an emotional video of the young girl who underwent a liver transplant in Madrid, Spain. The 54-second clip showcases her gradual recovery and the joy of her father, who was the donor for the transplant, after the Cuban healthcare system virtually abandoned her. It was the solidarity of thousands of compatriots that made their journey to Europe and the surgical procedure possible.
"Amanda laughs and with her, all of us," wrote activist Yamilka Laffita (Lara Crofs) on Facebook, accompanying the video that has already garnered 10,000 views.
Amanda's Challenging Journey and Recovery
Since her first surgery in March to correct biliary atresia, Amanda has had to return to the operating room three more times. The latest surgery, on April 4, was to drain a significant amount of bile and stop the bleeding. Two weeks later, she moved from intensive care to a recovery ward at Hospital de La Paz in the Spanish capital, after her ascites reduced to 1.9 and her hemoglobin levels increased to 10.
In the last 15 days, Amanda has shown remarkable improvement: she eats solid foods, has an appetite, gains weight, is in good spirits, and her eyes are no longer yellow.
However, her stay at the medical center will be indefinite due to the severe deterioration she suffered upon arriving in Spain, which astonished the doctors. They remarked that "precious time had been lost."
The GoFundMe campaign raised over $28,000 to make the process a reality. Nonetheless, family, friends, and people close to the situation continue to provide financial support to her parents, who must sustain themselves without employment or any source of income.
Amanda Lemus Ortiz's Medical Journey: FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding Amanda Lemus Ortiz's medical journey and the challenges she faces.
What condition was Amanda Lemus Ortiz diagnosed with?
Amanda was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a condition that affects the bile ducts and liver.
Why was the liver transplant necessary?
The liver transplant was necessary because her condition had deteriorated severely, and it was the only option to save her life.
How did the community contribute to Amanda's surgery?
The community raised over $28,000 through a GoFundMe campaign, and many people continue to support her family financially.
What are Amanda's current health conditions?
Amanda is showing significant improvement, including eating solid foods, gaining weight, and no longer having yellow eyes. However, her recovery will take an indefinite amount of time due to her initial severe condition.