A Cuban mother is urgently seeking help to obtain a humanitarian visa for her five-year-old daughter, who has been battling leukemia since she was two. "I turn to social media hoping someone can assist me. Believe me, doing this is very hard for me, and it pains me greatly to expose my daughter's photos, but I need help," Janet Oliva shared on Facebook.
According to Janet, her daughter was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on November 3, 2021, and has been receiving care at the Institute of Hematology in Havana ever since. During her treatment, she remained relatively stable and completed her full course of treatment this past March. However, a follow-up bone marrow test revealed more malignant cells, indicating that her marrow was still infiltrated.
"She began a relapse treatment on June 10, which is much stronger than the previous ones. Currently, we are hospitalized, and we are seeking the necessary assistance to apply for the humanitarian visa to get my daughter the care she needs. I spoke with a doctor at Niklaus Children's Hospital, and he assured me that he would treat her," Janet disclosed.
"At the Institute of Hematology in Cuba, the doctors are excellent and dedicated, despite the limited resources available for such intensive treatment. This is why I am trying to apply for the humanitarian visa," she added.
Details on the Humanitarian Visa for Cuban Leukemia Patients
This section provides answers to common questions regarding the humanitarian visa process for Cuban patients suffering from leukemia.
What is a humanitarian visa?
A humanitarian visa is a special type of visa issued to individuals in urgent need of medical treatment or to escape extreme hardships in their home country.
How can someone apply for a humanitarian visa for medical reasons?
To apply for a humanitarian visa for medical reasons, applicants must provide detailed medical documentation, a letter from the treating physician, and evidence of inability to obtain necessary treatment in their home country.
What challenges do Cuban patients face in obtaining medical care?
Cuban patients often face significant challenges due to limited medical resources, outdated equipment, and shortages of essential medications, making it difficult to receive the necessary care for serious conditions like leukemia.