Cuban activist Yamilka Laffita, known as Lara Crofs, shared a photo of young Amanda Lemus Ortiz, highlighting her remarkable recovery following surgery in Spain. "Do you recognize that face? To me, it's the embodiment of determination, of 'where there's a will, there's a way,' and the unity of a civil society rallying for a greater and nobler cause," Lara expressed on her Facebook profile.
She continued, "The #AmandaLives has long been a reality, a source of joy. It's that face that looks at us today, with big eyes full of hope." Amanda underwent a liver transplant in a Madrid hospital over seven months ago, after being virtually abandoned by the Cuban healthcare system.
A New Lease on Life
In late September, Lara reported that Amanda had begun eating voraciously and was very active. "She can now sit up on her own, although she still uses her orthopedic chair and is starting to babble some words with the help of a speech therapist and physiotherapy. She's even taking a few steps," she detailed.
"The Cuban civil society, this vast community of Cubans scattered around the world, can feel very proud of what we've achieved. #AmandaLives stopped being a dream, a hashtag, a while ago, transforming into a reality that fills us with overwhelming happiness," she stated at the time.
Continuing Care and Hope
The activist explained that Amanda needs to regularly visit the hospital for check-ups, and Spanish doctors treating her are very pleased with her progress. "Mila tells me she's very hyperactive, always laughing, and happy. She sits by herself, eats very well, and if things continue as they are, she might be walking by next year," Laffita mentioned in an August post.
"Amanda was the child who restored hope to many Cubans, both inside and outside the country. The solidarity and support her family received were deeply moving and truly beautiful. This little girl's life became the rallying cry for a united Cuban civil society, transcending ideologies, beliefs, and race," she declared.