A seven-year-old girl, Rebeca Quintana Vázquez, passed away early Wednesday, July 31, at the Institute of Hematology and Immunology in Havana due to acute lymphoblastic leukemia. "At the time of her passing, we were in the process of securing a humanitarian visa to explore foreign options to save our Rebeca," wrote Nelson Álvarez, known on social media as "El Porfiao de Cuba," on his Facebook profile.
Just a day before her death, Rebeca's father, Aymer Quintana Carmenate, went live on social media to criticize the treatment his daughter's case received from the Cuban Ministry of Health. During his broadcast, he revealed that Rebeca's hemoglobin level was dangerously low, which threatened her life, and that there were no platelets available at the Blood Bank.
Her mother, Yicel Vásquez Urquiza, also made a plea on social media for blood donors to support her daughter, even offering to pay "whatever it takes" because "there was none at the bank." However, health authorities maintained that "they had everything needed and were experts in treating her recurrent leukemia," the distressed father said.
Aymer, who is from Las Tunas and had been in Havana for three months for his daughter's treatment, stated that his goal was to have the Cuban Health Minister, José Ángel Portal Miranda, hear his plea, as the doctor handling the case was not granting permission for the visa application. "Children in Cuba today are worthless... and could die in any health institution, and nothing happens," he lamented.
"It hurts, friends, it hurts a lot to see one of these little ones go. Today, memories flood back of when I first met her with her father," wrote El Porfiao in his post, alongside a photo capturing that moment.
In recent years, an increasing number of Cuban parents have turned to social media, pleading for humanitarian visas that give them hope for their children's survival. Although for many patients and their families, a humanitarian visa is their only lifeline, the process is anything but simple.
Last May, a touching message from six-year-old Sofía Mercedes Muñoz Rivero pleaded for help to travel to the United States for treatment of her acute myeloid leukemia. "Hi, my name is Sofi. I want to go to the United States because I am sick," the little girl began in a video her parents posted on social media, which was shared by hundreds of users.
Another urgent appeal came for five-year-old Lia Isabel García Torres, who needs help to travel to the United States for leukemia treatment, as there are no options for curing her in Cuba. Another Cuban mother also sought assistance for a humanitarian visa for her five-year-old daughter, who has had leukemia since she was two.
"I turn to social media hoping someone can help me. Believe me, doing this is not to my liking, and it hurts a lot to expose photos of my child, but I need help," said Janet Oliva on Facebook.
In recent years, several Cuban minors have traveled to the U.S. to treat various severe conditions. However, other children have tragically passed away while awaiting assistance from abroad.
Humanitarian Visas for Medical Treatment: A Critical Lifeline for Cuban Children
This section answers some of the most pressing questions about the process of obtaining humanitarian visas for medical treatment, particularly for Cuban children suffering from severe illnesses like leukemia.
What is a humanitarian visa and how does it help?
A humanitarian visa allows individuals from other countries to enter the U.S. for urgent medical treatment. For many Cuban families, it represents the only hope for accessing life-saving healthcare not available in Cuba.
How can families apply for a humanitarian visa?
Families must submit an application to the U.S. Embassy, including medical records and a letter from a U.S. doctor or hospital willing to provide treatment. The process can be complicated and often requires legal assistance.
What challenges do Cuban families face in obtaining these visas?
Cuban families often face bureaucratic hurdles, including delays and refusals from their own government, lack of financial resources, and the need for a U.S. medical sponsor. These obstacles can be overwhelming and time-consuming.