Amanda Lemus Ortiz, a young Cuban girl who underwent a liver transplant in Spain last March, finds herself back in the hospital. Activist Yamilka Laffita, also known as Lara Crofs, revealed on Friday that Amanda was readmitted on November 27.
According to Lara, Amanda had been experiencing persistent itching, which even disrupted her sleep. Upon visiting the doctor, an urgent ultrasound revealed that her bile duct was once again dilating.
"She was admitted on the afternoon of November 27, with plans to insert a stent the next day to ensure the duct could function properly. However, due to the narrowness of the duct, doctors opted to place a drain to expel bile from her body. After a week, they would attempt to re-enter the duct," Lara explained on Facebook.
"Today marked the third attempt, but the stent could not be placed. Doctors decided to proceed with surgery to try to repair the duct and insert the stent. Without it, there is a risk of affecting the healthy liver once more," she added.
The activist urged her followers to pray for Amanda as she faces this challenging ordeal. "The surgery is scheduled for early Monday morning," she noted.
Hundreds of people commented on the post, sending well wishes for Amanda's recovery.
The Struggle for Amanda's Survival
Earlier in November, seven months after Amanda's transplant in Madrid, following abandonment by the Cuban healthcare system, Lara shared a photo showcasing the girl's remarkable progress.
"Do you recognize this 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 noble cause," she expressed on Facebook.
Amanda's journey to save her life began in January when her mother publicly apologized to her in a viral message for being born in a country that couldn't meet her medical needs.
Amanda suffered from a severe liver condition and urgently required a transplant, which was impossible in Cuba due to the country's limitations. As a result, a humanitarian visa was sought for her.
A New Chapter Begins
After several weeks of a campaign 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 accepted her case.
By late September, Amanda was eating well and showing high levels of activity. "She sits up on her own, though she still uses her orthopedic chair, and is beginning to babble a few words (she is being seen by a speech therapist) and receiving physiotherapy, taking a few steps," Lara Crofs detailed at the time.
The activist mentioned that regular hospital check-ups were necessary, and Spanish doctors were very pleased with Amanda's progress. "Mila tells me she's very hyperactive and always smiling, she's happy. She sits alone, eats very well, and if things continue as they are, she might walk next year," Laffita shared in an August post.
"Amanda was the child who restored hope to many Cubans, both inside and outside Cuba. The solidarity and support this family received were heartwarming and beautiful. This little girl's life became the rallying cry of a unified Cuban civil society, transcending ideologies, beliefs, and race," she declared.
FAQs about Amanda's Medical Journey
What was the reason for Amanda's recent hospitalization?
Amanda was hospitalized again due to the dilation of her bile duct, which needed surgical intervention to function correctly.
How did Amanda's medical journey begin?
Amanda's journey started in January when her mother sought international help for a liver transplant, as Cuba's healthcare system couldn't provide the necessary treatment.
What role did the Cuban community play in Amanda's recovery?
The Cuban community, along with activists and independent media, raised funds and awareness, enabling Amanda to receive treatment in Spain.