A Cuban mother is raising the alarm about the dire situation her child is facing. Her son, who suffers from epileptic encephalopathy, has outgrown his crib, yet authorities in Pinar del Río have ignored her appeals for appropriate housing conditions to care for his condition. Rosalba Castillo Barrios made an impassioned plea for help on Thursday, urging for a resolution to a problem she has been highlighting for years, one that the local government has continuously neglected, despite it involving a child with a severe chronic illness.
Her son, Rosmiel, is afflicted with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy that confines him to bed. Currently, he is experiencing pain and injuries to his feet because his crib is too small, and the family lacks a home with adequate space to accommodate his needs. "We continue with the complaints. As everyone knows and has seen, my son lacks the room he desperately needs because the Pinar del Río government has not provided, and seemingly will not provide a solution to our housing issue in six years. These are the conditions for my child in a crib he doesn't fit in, while his bed is wasting away at a neighbor's house, unnoticed and unimportant to anyone," Castillo shared on Facebook, along with a video showing the harsh conditions her son endures.
The distressed mother emphasized, "Day after day, night after night, my son suffers from foot pain and injuries, struggling to find comfort in a space he doesn't have. Complaint: Rosmiel needs his house!" In another post on the social network, she questioned the authorities for neglecting her son's case and lamented her unsuccessful attempts despite her persistent outcry.
"When will the government understand that you need a little space for your bed, your anti-decubitus mattress, a space for your stroller, and a place to sit... When will they help, when all we've asked for in six years is a small house so you, my child, can be in your room with the necessary conditions for your health," Castillo asked.
Visibly anguished, she confessed, "My heart shatters every time I hold you in my arms and see you smile, when I take you outside to catch some sun and fresh air, yet we don't even have a small porch to let you enjoy the view for a while. I'm deeply sorry that this battle hasn't been won for you, or your sisters... but I won't give up, because the road isn't made of a single stone but thousands. God must help us, life can't be this cruel. You don't deserve this, my child, and I will keep fighting for you. I love you." Along with this heartfelt message, she included photos of her son and a pressure sore on his back, further complicating his health issues.
This is not the first time Castillo has had to resort to public denunciation to demand the healthcare her son urgently needs. In 2024, she denounced the lack of Levetiracetam, a crucial medication for her son's treatment, after being informed it wasn't available. However, the medication "appeared" after she called out the Pinar del Río authorities. In 2021, she also highlighted the Cuban government's lack of support, despite being aware of her son's illness. Since then, she has been battling the government's deceit and negligence.
FAQs about the Situation in Pinar del Río
What is the main issue Rosalba Castillo Barrios is facing with her son?
The main issue is that her son, who has a severe form of epilepsy, has outgrown his crib, and the family lacks appropriate housing to accommodate his medical needs.
What condition does her son suffer from?
Her son, Rosmiel, suffers from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epileptic encephalopathy.
How has the local government in Pinar del Río responded to her pleas?
The local government has ignored her pleas for adequate housing for over six years, despite the severe nature of her son's condition.