Upon seeing a social media post highlighting the dire situation of a young girl in Camagüey, journalist José Luis Tan Estrada took action to verify the information and offer aid to the 10-year-old. On Monday, Tan shared details about Camila's life on Facebook. She lives with her father, who is unable to care for her properly due to severe vision problems.
"Camila is 10 years old, and she prefers math over Spanish, according to her. She finished the school year with good grades and is entering the sixth grade," Tan noted. "But life hasn't been kind to her. She lives with her father, who has serious vision issues and can't take care of her. Little is known about her mother, only that she lives somewhere in the eastern part of the country," he added.
Camila lacks clothing, shoes, and proper nutrition. "She wears size 38 shoes and is very thin. According to some neighbors, the girl 'has been through a lot,'" Tan reported. He also mentioned that those interested in helping Camila and her father could contact him for details on where to drop off donations.
This story has resonated with Cuban activists eager to help the impoverished family. In the comments section, Yankiel Fernández, coordinator of the humanitarian project Aliento de Vida, stated, "I have some clothes here." Johanna Jolá Álvarez, who leads the group Huellas, said, "I would like to help the little girl. Could you collect donations if we send them from Havana?"
Meanwhile, Eider Matos asked, "How can we get items to her from Havana? My daughter can give her one or two pairs of shoes. Clothes would be too large, but the shoes are in great condition." Similarly, Yaimara Obregón Han said, "I have some uniform blouses that would fit her for the new school year. I'll bring them to the Republica point where I work so you can pick them up. I think I also have some sneakers in size 38."
In Cuba, children are among the most affected by the ongoing economic crisis, which leads to material shortages and inadequate nutrition. This situation often forces activists and families to turn to social media for assistance.
Recently, the family of a Cuban boy suffering from epidermolysis bullosa, known as "butterfly skin," sought help to obtain the necessary medications for his condition. Liam was born with this chronic genetic disease that causes blisters on his skin from minor friction or scratching, according to a Facebook post by the profile "ElMusk Reeve."
In April, a 15-year-old Cuban teenager battling brain cancer needed community support while receiving medical treatment in the United States. Jenniffer Williams launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for Jorge Domínguez and his mother Katheryne, who were in the U.S. on a health tourism visa to get Jorge treated.
Support for Camila and Other Cuban Children in Need
In light of Camila's situation, many have questions about how to help and what the current state of child welfare in Cuba is. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more information.
How can I help Camila and her father?
You can contact José Luis Tan Estrada on Facebook for details on where to send or drop off donations.
What are the most urgent needs for Camila?
Camila urgently needs clothing, shoes (size 38), and food. Any contributions that address these needs would be greatly appreciated.
What other cases of children in need have been highlighted recently?
Recent cases include a boy with "butterfly skin" needing medication and a teenager with brain cancer who required medical treatment in the United States.