Amanda Lemus Ortiz has lived a story of struggle and hope that has touched many Cubans, especially now that she is successfully recovering from her liver transplant in Spain.
"Amanda is happiness personified! I am at a loss for words to describe the immense joy these videos bring me. Seeing the little girl laugh is the clearest proof that dreams do come true, that the impossible doesn't exist when it is the desire of thousands," said activist Yamilka Laffita (Lara Crofs).
The young woman shared a recent video of Amanda on her social media, where the little girl is seen happy, enjoying her recovery, and smiling while playing with her family in Spain.
The fight to save Amanda's life began less than a year ago in Cuba, when her mother publicly apologized for having her in a country where the healthcare system did not meet her medical needs.
Amanda suffered from a severe liver disease and urgently needed a liver transplant, but the limitations in Cuba prevented her from receiving timely treatment, leaving her in a critical condition.
In January 2024, Amanda's mother made a desperate plea through the media, mobilizing the Cuban community and activists abroad to seek help.
Finally, they managed to transfer Amanda to Spain, where doctors were shocked by the advanced deterioration of her health, noting that precious time had been lost due to the lack of adequate care in her home country.
On March 15, 2024, Amanda underwent a liver transplant at a hospital in Spain. The operation was successful and marked the beginning of her recovery.
However, her journey was not easy; she suffered several relapses and complications due to resistant infections contracted in Cuba. Despite these challenges, Amanda showed remarkable improvement over time.
In June, Cuban activist Yamilka Laffita shared two photos illustrating Amanda's impressive recovery. The images showed a smiling and lively Amanda, a stark contrast to her weakened state when she arrived in Spain.
The activist thanked everyone who helped get Amanda out of Cuba and give her a chance at life. On June 21, the little girl reached another milestone in her recovery: doctors removed the IVs and catheters she had needed during her treatment, indicating a significant improvement in her condition.
Amanda's full recovery may still take months, but her progress so far has been encouraging, demonstrating the importance of solidarity and international aid in critical cases like hers. Many children in Cuba suffer from severe illnesses without the state guaranteeing them the treatment they require.
Amanda's Journey to Recovery: Key Questions Answered
In light of Amanda Lemus Ortiz's inspiring recovery story, here are some frequently asked questions that provide further insights into her journey and the broader implications for healthcare in Cuba.
What prompted Amanda's transfer to Spain for her liver transplant?
Amanda was transferred to Spain due to the severe limitations of the healthcare system in Cuba, which prevented her from receiving the urgent liver transplant she needed.
How did Amanda's mother and the Cuban community mobilize to help her?
Amanda's mother made a public plea in January 2024, which mobilized the Cuban community and activists abroad to seek international help for Amanda's medical condition.
What challenges did Amanda face during her recovery in Spain?
Amanda faced several relapses and complications due to resistant infections contracted in Cuba, but she showed remarkable improvement over time with the medical care she received in Spain.
What milestone did Amanda achieve on June 21?
On June 21, doctors removed the IVs and catheters Amanda had needed during her treatment, indicating a significant improvement in her condition.