A 10-year-old boy in Cárdenas, Matanzas is facing a dire situation as he remains hospitalized at the Pediatric Hospital, waiting for a high-risk surgery. The boy, named Israel Daniel, was born healthy but suffered a playground accident that led to a blood clot in his head. Subsequently, doctors discovered a brain tumor that has left him unable to see, speak, or walk over the past four months.
Kiryat Poey shared Israel's story in the "Cardenenses en Facebook" group, shedding light on the family's precarious living conditions. They reside in a space that was once a warehouse, lacking internal divisions, a bathroom, or a kitchen, and rely on a bucket for basic needs. The family consists of three teenagers, aged 12, 14, and 16, in addition to Israel, and they are hoping for assistance from the housing authorities in Cárdenas and the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) for better living accommodations.
The upcoming surgery, which involves inserting a valve and a tube to drain fluid from Israel's brain, carries significant risks. According to Poey, the hospital has the necessary supplies, and the boy's parents have signed the required medical consents. Meanwhile, 90,000 Cuban pesos, 170 dollars, disposable diapers, and medications have been collected and given to the family to support their hospital stay, Poey emphasized.
"We will continue to pray for his health and keep everyone informed," the post concluded, expressing gratitude to those who have donated and offered moral support.
Amid the economic hardships faced by the population, Cuban civil society continues to show its dedication to life, coming together to address the urgent needs of the most vulnerable.
As a Three Kings Day gift, activist Lara Crofs expressed her profound emotion on Monday after receiving news of a $4,000 donation to help young Cuban girl Lía Isabel García receive treatment in the United States. Unexpectedly, just a few hours later, even better news arrived: the $30,000 goal necessary for Lía and her family had been fully reached.
Lía, a five-year-old diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, requires specialized treatment at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, Florida. Her story, shared across social media platforms, has touched hundreds of people and sparked a wave of solidarity that culminated on Monday with the successful fundraising for her treatment, according to activist Yamilka Lafita, also known as Lara Crofs, via her Facebook profile.
Key Questions on Medical Assistance in Cuba
What challenges does Israel Daniel's family face?
Israel Daniel's family lives in poor conditions without proper facilities, relying on limited resources and awaiting help from local authorities for better housing.
What kind of surgery does Israel need?
Israel requires surgery to insert a valve and a tube to drain fluid from his brain, a procedure that carries significant risks.
How has Cuban civil society responded to these medical cases?
Despite economic challenges, Cuban civil society has shown strong support, raising funds and offering help to those in urgent need of medical assistance.