Arlety Yerena Martínez, a 33-year-old Cuban mother residing in Guanabacoa (Havana), is urgently seeking an expedited interview to immigrate to the United States with her son, Jorge Esteban Reina Yerena, who is battling cancer. The boy's father has been living in the U.S. for nearly four years and has maintained contact through video calls, unable to travel back to Cuba during this time.
The family was devastated when doctors in Cuba confirmed that they had exhausted all available treatments for Jorge Esteban and that there was nothing more they could do for his life at the moment. However, hope remains as the doctors also mentioned that a bone marrow transplant is needed to save him, a procedure that cannot be performed under the current conditions in Cuba.
Desperate Efforts to Save a Child's Life
Given this information, it is understandable why this Cuban mother is in a rush to obtain permission to travel to the United States, where a hospital is ready to provide the necessary treatment for her son. This would be their second interview attempt; the first was for a tourist visa, which was denied despite her detailing the dire situation.
In an interview with CiberCuba, Arlety explained that the urgency stems not only from the limited options in Cuba but also from the complications arising from her son's immunocompromised state. Treating him for other illnesses becomes complex because medications run out after a few days, and they have to switch to alternatives. Additionally, she fears he might contract diseases like Oropouche fever or dengue, which are prevalent on the island.
Jorge Esteban, only seven years old, has been battling leukemia for five years. His condition prevents him from playing with other children or being exposed to sunlight. He undergoes chemotherapy and other treatments, but due to the poor hygiene in Cuban hospitals, he has had adverse reactions to some of them.
In summary, the family is in a state of desperation. The life of their child hinges on the decisions of immigration authorities.
Key Questions About the Urgent Immigration Request
To provide more insight into the situation, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding this urgent immigration request for a medical emergency.
Why is the immigration request urgent for Arlety Yerena and her son?
The request is urgent because Jorge Esteban needs a bone marrow transplant, which cannot be performed in Cuba. His life depends on receiving this treatment in the United States.
What are the main health risks Jorge Esteban faces in Cuba?
Jorge Esteban is immunocompromised, making it challenging to treat any additional illnesses. There is also the risk of contracting diseases like Oropouche fever or dengue, which are prevalent in Cuba.
Have Arlety and her son tried to obtain a visa before?
Yes, they previously applied for a tourist visa, which was denied despite explaining the critical medical situation.