A Cuban mother is appealing to her fellow citizens for help for a child suffering from lupus, a chronic illness, as his family faces severe economic hardships. Taili Pérez, a resident of Havana, shared the boy's plight on her Facebook page. The child attends school with her son.
"My son always talks about him and says, 'Mom, he needs help.' Yesterday, I saw him walking with his grandmother, and I called them over to give him some of my son's clothes. The boy has lupus and lives at Compostela 820, between Conde and Paula," Pérez detailed.
According to Taili, the boy's name is Danni, and his mother, Anay, is also dealing with health issues. Their home phone number is 786-25072 for anyone willing to assist the family.
"Any clothes or help you can give will be greatly appreciated because he truly needs it, please," she added.
Several people suggested that Taili reach out to comedian Limay Blanco and activist Lara Crofs to bring more attention to the case.
The current crisis in the country has plunged thousands of families into poverty, but the situation is even more dire for those with a sick family member.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs because the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.
In July 2020, a young woman reported that her mother, who has chronic lupus erythematosus, was experiencing a severe health crisis due to the shortage of medicines in pharmacies. "I am not looking for pity or handouts; I know how to solve my problems, but I have no other options," explained Lianny Enríquez.
Enríquez noted that lupus was affecting her mother's blood cells and nervous system. Her mother also suffered from asymptomatic hypertension and needed prednisone and triamcinolone cream, as well as vitamins, all of which had been unavailable for some time.
A year earlier, the case of Yasnay Sanz Consuegra, a 16-year-old lupus patient, came to light. She suffers from kidney issues, vision problems, gastrointestinal bleeding, and nasal, oral, and vaginal bleeding. Despite doctors' advice to avoid insect bites, animals, dust, and humidity, she lives in extremely precarious conditions in the former Jorge Prieto mill, a rural area known as Cecilia in Guantánamo.
With no bathroom or kitchen and a dirt floor, she survives in her home despite her mother's pleas for at least a plot of land in the city, as recommended by medical professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lupus in Cuba
Given the critical situation faced by lupus patients in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, affecting various parts of the body including skin, joints, kidneys, and the brain.
How can I help Danni and his family?
You can assist Danni and his family by donating clothes or other necessities. You can contact them at their home phone number, 786-25072, for more details.
Why is the situation for lupus patients in Cuba so dire?
The current economic crisis in Cuba has led to a severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies, making it particularly difficult for those with chronic illnesses like lupus to get the treatment they need.