The young Cuban Lester Domínguez, who was attacked with a machete in Holguín in March of last year and has been unable to walk since, begins a new rehabilitation this Monday, coinciding with his birthday. Lester is at the Julio Díaz Hospital in Havana, where he was admitted last week to try other techniques for his recovery.
This Monday, Lester turns 19 and, according to his father, he is very optimistic. "Lester believes that in two months he might start walking again, hoping that his faith becomes a reality with the resources available at the hospital. He advises his followers to stay safe, as Cuba is currently experiencing a lot of violence and crime, and the laws are very lenient," said Dennis on his Facebook page.
Lester chose to continue his rehabilitation in Havana after spending a year and three months without being able to walk. During this time, he has gained more strength in his arms and legs and has sensation throughout his body. This progress gives hope to both him and his father.
At the end of May, Dennis revealed that he was trying to get Lester admitted to Julio Díaz to start some therapy that might help him walk again. Back then, Lester asked his father to take him out of the country, realizing that Cuba does not have the conditions necessary for his recovery.
"The boy sees that everything becomes more difficult with the power outages in Cuba and that there are no necessary conditions for his evolution. He told me that the best way I could help him was by getting him out of the country," Dennis said. "We have many family members abroad, and in the end, always with one hand in front and the other behind. To avoid begging for his recovery, he asked me to try to get him to Nicaragua. Let's see if I can fulfill his wish, even if it's the last thing I do in life," he emphasized.
Last year, Lester celebrated his 18th birthday at his home in Holguín, surrounded by friends. At that time, he had a tracheostomy and was suffering from a back sore that took months to heal but eventually did.
On May 15th, the trial of Adrián Grass Bermúdez, the man who attacked Lester to steal his cellphone, took place. The prosecution is asking for 20 years in prison for the machete attack on Lester and an additional four years for stealing two other phones from other victims. These phones were recovered, including Lester's, which was found buried in the attacker's yard.
FAQs about Lester Domínguez's Rehabilitation and Legal Case
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Lester Domínguez's rehabilitation journey and the legal proceedings against his attacker.
What is Lester Domínguez's current condition?
Lester has regained strength in his arms and legs and has sensation throughout his body, but he still cannot walk. He is optimistic about his new rehabilitation in Havana.
Why did Lester Domínguez choose to continue his rehabilitation in Havana?
Lester chose Havana because he hopes that the resources and techniques available at Julio Díaz Hospital will aid in his recovery. He has been unable to walk for over a year and three months and is seeking better treatment options.
What are the charges against Adrián Grass Bermúdez?
Adrián Grass Bermúdez faces 20 years in prison for the machete attack on Lester Domínguez and an additional four years for stealing two other phones from other victims. The stolen phones, including Lester's, were recovered.