Danay Aguilar is the mother of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who also suffers from chronic encephalopathy, epilepsy, Landau-Kleffner syndrome, chronic asthma, allergies, and thrombocytopenia. Three years ago, she requested three bags of cement from the authorities of the Batalla de las Guásimas community and the Vertientes municipality in Camagüey to repair the roof of her fourth-floor apartment. Her goal was to fix the leaks that were already problematic at the time. However, her pleas went unanswered.
Today, the situation has worsened significantly. It now rains more inside her home than outside, and the electrical outlets get wet, posing a severe risk. Her autistic child does not understand why his mother cannot turn on the electrical devices that soothe him with music when it rains. Danay explains that she has to move electric stoves and other appliances from room to room to avoid water damage during downpours.
Frustrated by the local authorities and the Popular Power's neglect, Danay has turned to social media and platforms like CiberCuba to highlight her plight. However, she fears that instead of receiving the help she desperately needs, she might face repercussions and lose the limited assistance she currently receives.
Danay, who lives with her elderly mother in a small village in Camagüey, says that no one has checked on them, even after the recent heavy rains. Her situation is dire, as her son requires numerous medications that are often unavailable at pharmacies, forcing her to buy them at market prices with her meager salary of 2,600 pesos. She also has to travel 50 kilometers to take her son to the hospital, in addition to covering all basic living expenses. Repairing the roof is an expense she cannot afford without the social aid she has been seeking for four years.
Challenges Faced by Danay Aguilar
Below are some frequently asked questions about the struggles and needs of Danay Aguilar, a mother facing severe hardships while caring for her autistic child in Cuba.
What conditions does Danay Aguilar's child suffer from?
Danay's child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), chronic encephalopathy, epilepsy, Landau-Kleffner syndrome, chronic asthma, allergies, and thrombocytopenia.
How has the local government responded to her requests for help?
The local government and Popular Power have ignored her requests for three years. They have not provided the necessary cement to repair her leaking roof, worsening her living conditions.
What are the consequences of the leaking roof in her home?
The leaking roof leads to water entering the house, causing electrical outlets to get wet and making it unsafe to use electrical devices. This situation is particularly distressing for her autistic child, who relies on music for comfort.
What financial challenges does Danay face?
Danay earns 2,600 pesos, which she uses to buy medications at market prices, travel 50 kilometers to the hospital, and cover basic living expenses. Repairing the roof is a financial burden she cannot bear without external help.