Lester Domínguez, the young Cuban who was brutally attacked with a machete in Holguín in March 2023 and has been unable to walk since, sent a heartfelt message to all CiberCuba followers this Wednesday. He assured everyone that his health and spirits are improving and expressed gratitude for their concern over his recovery.
"I am making this video to tell you that here at Julito Díaz Hospital, I am improving significantly. I can now move my knees, legs, and ankles better. I am gaining strength in my back, shoulders, arms, and even my hands. My health is much better, and I feel great. The care here is excellent. My therapist is highly skilled, and with occupational therapy, ozone therapy, and breathing exercises, I have improved significantly. I have no complaints," Domínguez stated.
He also expressed his determination to recover fully. "God willing, I will get through this. Thank you to everyone who has been concerned about me. God bless you," he concluded in a message sent to our editorial team.
On June 26, Lester Domínguez arrived at the Julio Díaz National Rehabilitation Hospital in Fontanar, Boyeros, Havana, after spending a year and three months unable to take a step. His family struggled to secure his admission to this facility. At one point, the young man even asked his father to take him out of Cuba to receive the treatment that could restore his leg mobility. His father considered leaving through Nicaragua to avoid constantly asking relatives outside the island for help.
The young man began his rehabilitation at Julio Díaz on July 19, his 19th birthday, with the hope of walking again in a few months. This birthday was different from the previous year when he celebrated his 18th surrounded by friends but with a tracheostomy. He had a bedsore on his back that took months to heal, but it finally did. This year's progress is even more remarkable.
Lester Domínguez was 17 when he was assaulted in March 2023 to steal his Huawei phone. After receiving a machete blow, he was admitted to intensive care, surviving the attack but losing his ability to walk. His assailant, identified as Adrián Grass Bermúdez, the ex-boyfriend of Lester’s sister, was tried this May. Dennis Domínguez, Lester's father, feared that since the person accompanying his son during the assault had committed suicide, they might blame everything on the deceased, allowing the attacker to go free.
At the end of the trial, where a 20-year sentence was requested for Adrián Grass for the assault on Lester and an additional four years for stealing four phones, Lester's father recounted seeing Adrián on a bicycle with a machete stained with Lester's blood on the night of the attack. Additionally, they found the stolen phone buried in the backyard of Adrián’s house.
Details About Lester Domínguez's Recovery and Assault Case
In this section, we provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Lester Domínguez's recovery journey and the legal proceedings against his attacker.
What therapies has Lester Domínguez received to aid his recovery?
Lester has received occupational therapy, ozone therapy, and breathing exercises, which have significantly improved his mobility and overall health.
What charges is Adrián Grass Bermúdez facing?
Adrián Grass Bermúdez is facing a 20-year sentence for the assault on Lester Domínguez and an additional four years for the theft of four phones.
How did Lester Domínguez's family manage to get him admitted to the Julio Díaz National Rehabilitation Hospital?
Lester's family faced significant challenges in securing his admission to the hospital but eventually succeeded. They even considered taking him out of Cuba for better treatment options.