Six months after undergoing a liver transplant in Spain, Cuban child Amanda Lemus Ortiz is steadily recovering and showing small but significant progress.
Activist Yamilka Lafita (known as Lara Crofs) shared two photos of Amanda with her parents this Friday, highlighting the progress Amanda has made following the crucial medical treatment for her illness.
"Amanda is a happy child, and her parents share that joy. The dedication and sacrifice of both parents and everyone who supported this campaign continue to yield results," Lara said on her Facebook page.
According to Lara, the little girl is eating a lot and is very active. Her mother takes her to the hospital weekly, and doctors are pleased with her current health status.
Signs of Progress
"She can now sit up on her own, although she still uses her orthopedic chair. She is starting to babble some words (with the help of a speech therapist) and is undergoing physical therapy, which has helped her take a few steps," Lara detailed.
"The Cuban civil society, this vast community of Cubans spread around the world, can be very proud of what we've achieved. #AmandaLives has transformed from a dream and a hashtag into a reality that fills us with immense happiness," the activist concluded.
At the end of August, Lara reported that Amanda is living a normal life with her parents in Madrid, though she continues to visit the hospital for regular check-ups.
"Mila and Enmanuel now live with the peace and happiness of seeing their daughter grow as healthily as possible. Mila tells me that Amanda is very hyperactive and always smiling. She is happy. She can now sit up on her own, eats very well, and if everything continues as it is, she might even walk by next year," the activist specified.
On July 15, exactly four months after the liver transplant, a photo surfaced showing Amanda's physical transformation.
In the image, she appeared smiling and sitting in a stroller, looking much healthier and with a sparkle in her eyes, a stark contrast to the photos from Cuba, where she looked emaciated and unwell, with a striking yellowish tint in her eyes due to her illness.
A Fight for Survival
The battle to save Amanda's life began in January when her mother made a viral post publicly apologizing to her daughter for bringing her into a country where the healthcare system could not meet her medical needs.
Amanda suffered from severe liver disease and urgently needed a liver transplant, but the limitations in Cuba prevented her from receiving the necessary surgery. A humanitarian visa was requested for her.
After several weeks of campaigning supported by activists, independent media, and generous Cubans, the necessary funds were raised for Amanda and her parents to travel to Spain, where a hospital had accepted her case.
In March, Amanda arrived in Madrid, and doctors, shocked by her severe health decline, noted that precious time had been lost in addressing her illness.
On March 15, Amanda underwent a liver transplant, a successful operation that marked the beginning of her recovery. While the journey has included setbacks and complications, Amanda has ultimately overcome them.