Cuban activist Yamilka Laffita (Lara Crofs) shared a new photo this Tuesday confirming the incredible recovery of young Amanda Lemus Ortiz after undergoing a liver transplant in Spain just four months ago. This comes after the Cuban healthcare system virtually abandoned her to her fate.
In the image, which garnered over 1,700 reactions and nearly 500 comments in just two hours, Amanda is seen smiling, sitting in a stroller, looking much healthier and with a sparkle in her eyes—far from those harsh photos where she appeared very thin and sickly, with a striking yellow hue in her eyes due to her illness.
"She looks beautiful! Look at that face and those eyes, my God... pure life," summarized journalist Jorge Enrique Rodríguez, echoing the sentiments of thousands who have closely followed Amanda's case with great care and affection.
Amanda's Journey to Recovery
Four months after the transplant, which was completed on July 15, it's clear that Amanda continues to make progress. However, the journey has not been easy; during these months, she experienced several setbacks due to the severe physical deterioration she had upon arriving in Spain.
The fight to save Amanda's life began in January of this year when her mother publicly apologized on Facebook for bringing her into a country where the healthcare system couldn't meet her medical needs. Amanda suffered from a severe liver disease and urgently needed a liver transplant, but the limitations in Cuba made it impossible.
Over several weeks, activists, independent media, and supportive Cubans raised the necessary funds for Amanda and her parents to travel to Spain in search of help. In March, Amanda arrived in Spain, where doctors were shocked by the advanced state of her illness and noted that precious time had been lost in treating her condition.
On March 15, Amanda underwent a successful liver transplant at a hospital in Madrid, marking the beginning of her recovery. However, the road to recovery hasn't been smooth due to multiple setbacks and complications from resistant infections she contracted in Cuba. Despite these challenges, Amanda has shown significant improvement over time.
In June, Yamilka Laffita shared two photos illustrating Amanda's impressive recovery. The before-and-after images depict a child who has literally come back to life. On June 21, Amanda reached another milestone in her recovery when doctors removed the IVs and catheters she had needed during her treatment, signifying another significant improvement in her physical condition.
In recent months, Lara Crofs has expressed her gratitude multiple times to everyone who helped get Amanda out of Cuba, giving her a new lease on life. Amanda's full recovery may still take months, but her progress so far has been encouraging, highlighting the importance of international solidarity and aid in critical cases.
Unfortunately, many other children remain in Cuba suffering from severe illnesses, for which they would have a much better prognosis if treated abroad.
FAQs on Amanda's Recovery and Liver Transplants
The following questions and answers provide additional insights into Amanda's recovery journey and the broader implications of liver transplants for critically ill children.
How long did Amanda stay in Spain before her liver transplant?
Amanda stayed in Spain for about a month before undergoing her liver transplant on March 15.
What were the main challenges Amanda faced during her recovery?
Amanda faced several challenges, including multiple setbacks and complications from infections resistant to treatment, which she contracted in Cuba.
What role did international aid play in Amanda's recovery?
International aid was crucial in Amanda's recovery. Activists, independent media, and supportive individuals raised the necessary funds to get her to Spain for the life-saving liver transplant.
Why can't children like Amanda receive adequate medical care in Cuba?
The healthcare system in Cuba faces significant limitations and resource shortages, making it difficult to provide the specialized care required for severe conditions like Amanda's liver disease.