Amanda Celebrates Her First Birthday in Spain After Successful Transplant

Amanda Lemus Ortiz, the brave young girl who overcame a complex heart transplant at just three years old in Spain, celebrated her birthday surrounded by love and heartfelt messages. Among the well-wishers was activist Yamilka Laffita, known on social media as Lara Crofs, who shared an emotional message reflecting her advocacy for Amanda's right to healthcare.

Laffita, renowned for her activism, expressed on her social media platforms, "I believe this is the only reason I have to celebrate, and I will do so because no tyranny can take away that joy. I will celebrate that Amanda lives in a free, democratic country where children's lives matter, and thanks to that, she could celebrate her third birthday."

The activist highlighted the challenges Amanda's family faced over the past year and extended her gratitude to the Spanish healthcare system for providing this new opportunity for Amanda. "It's been incredibly tough, the year this family had to endure. That's why they deserve every moment of happiness; every bit of joy has been hard-earned, but thanks to many helping hands, the result is there in that image. To the doctors in Spain, always, always many thanks."

Her heartfelt message concluded with warm wishes for Amanda: "Happy birthday, beautiful girl of my heart. You deserve all the love and affection in this world. Being able to celebrate your life today is an immense gift, and I hope to keep celebrating it for many more years. May God protect you, and may all the good energy in the world be with you."

Due to the limitations of the healthcare system in Cuba, Amanda's family worked tirelessly to secure proper treatment outside the country. With the active campaign led by Laffita and support from the international community, Amanda received a humanitarian visa and was transferred to Spain, where her father volunteered as a donor for the transplant.

In March 2024, Amanda arrived in Madrid in very poor health. Spanish doctors, shocked by her condition, noted that precious time had been lost in addressing her illness. On March 15, she underwent a liver transplant at the Hospital Universitario La Paz, a successful surgery marking the beginning of her recovery.

Over the following months, Amanda showed remarkable improvement. By June, doctors removed her IVs and catheters, allowing her to live a normal life with her parents in Madrid. She began sitting up on her own, babbling words, and taking some steps, significant milestones in her development.

However, in November 2024, Amanda faced complications with her bile duct, necessitating a return to the hospital. After several failed attempts to place a stent due to the duct's narrowness, doctors decided to proceed with surgery to reconstruct the duct and successfully inserted the needed stent for her recovery.

Despite these challenges, Amanda has continued to recover. In December 2024, a touching video surfaced showing her taking her first steps in the hospital, showcasing her resilience and the hopes of her family and supportive community.

Amanda's journey has united communities within and outside of Cuba, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and mutual support during challenging times. Her story demonstrates that with collective effort, overcoming obstacles and providing hope to those in need is indeed possible.