Marielys Pérez, a resident of Pinar del Río, made the difficult decision to cut and sell her hair through social media to manage the significant expenses associated with her daughter’s hospital care. Her young daughter suffers from a severe form of epilepsy. "To my friends interested in buying hair, I have mine for sale. I need to sell it; today I had to make that decision out of necessity," Pérez posted on Facebook. "A year and a month in a hospital involves numerous expenses, and my daughter’s needs are the most pressing and costly. Please help me sell it," she pleaded, referring to the epileptic encephalopathy known as Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome afflicting her two-year-old daughter, Ahittana.
In a previous post, Pérez expressed her deep love and gratitude for her little girl, highlighting her daughter’s strength and resilience, describing her as a warrior capable of overcoming every challenge with divine assistance. "My little princess, once more, I thank God for having you by my side. You are a warrior of a thousand battles, overcoming numerous tests and obstacles, all with God’s help," she wrote.
From the hospital, where they have spent over a year amidst treatments and care, Pérez shared her longing for a better life for her daughter. "Today, I cherish every moment with you; since you were born two years ago, you are my most precious diamond," the mother expressed, emphasizing that despite the hardships, her faith remains unshaken.
In the same post, she expressed gratitude to those who have been a constant support during this challenging time. "There are angels sent by God with enormous hearts full of love, who have significantly changed your life and brought you many blessings," she commented, referring to the individuals who have stood by her side through the toughest times.
This mother holds onto hope for a more secure future for her daughter and family, dreaming of the day they can leave the hospital and receive the blessing of a home of their own to be with her older son, Alex. "I always whisper in your ear that we will not lose faith in leaving the hospital. You will see that one day we will receive that great surprise… that blessing from God for my daughter suffering from Lennox-Gastaut. Much healing for you, my child, in the name of Jesus. Amen."
The story of Marielys Pérez and her young daughter Ahittana has touched countless hearts on social media, becoming a moving example of a mother's unconditional love for her child.
In March, Pérez made a desperate plea for help to secure a portable artificial ventilator for her daughter, who was just 16 months old at the time and had been hospitalized in the pediatric ward of Pinar del Río since November. Days later, those closely following this story witnessed the desperate call of a mother begging for the medication her child urgently needed to survive.
A few days after that, Pérez moved many by sharing a heartfelt message, describing how she waited, through tears and prayers, for 22 days until her daughter finally opened her eyes after a prolonged sleep.
Understanding the Challenges of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
What is Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome?
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that typically begins in childhood. It is characterized by frequent seizures of multiple types and causes significant developmental delays.
How can people help families dealing with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome?
People can assist families by offering emotional support, helping with fundraising efforts, or donating to organizations that provide resources and support for those affected by this condition.