The mother of Cuban child Geobel Damir Ortiz Ramírez, currently in the intensive care unit at the Institute of Hematology with neurofibromatosis type 1, a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, and acute leukemia, issued a plea for help this past Sunday. In her urgent appeal to save her son's life, whose condition has worsened in recent days, she held the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) accountable and requested assistance.
"They have done wrong and continue to do so. If he dies, they are responsible, guilty. My son Damir's life depends on you," she expressed in a Facebook post. Before that, she had simply written "Help" on her social media page.
Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez, president of the Cuban Free Medical Guild, warned on Sunday that the medical treatments not administered to Damir have contributed to the worsening of his illness. In a social media post, the doctor explained, "Failures in managing his disease have led to his current condition. He never received genetic profiling studies, a detailed DNA analysis to identify changes in genes or chromosomes that could cause a disease, despite suspicions of a genetic disorder like neurofibromatosis type 1."
In a live Facebook session, he added that Damir never underwent a tumor study in his right eye through a biopsy, which could have confirmed it was indeed a plexiform neurofibroma. He noted that the clinical diagnosis was never validated, even initially dismissed by individuals no longer in Cuba.
"Cuba never had, nor currently has, the updated technology to make that diagnosis. It was concluded based on mere clinical assumptions without confirmation from pathological labs, as recommended in such cases. The few studies conducted were too infrequent over eight years and involved procedural technical errors," Dr. Ruano clarified.
This Sunday, Damir experienced a further drop in platelets and hemoglobin, coupled with bleeding from the lesion on his face and right eye. In response, specialists administered the antifungal Amphotericin B and performed a transfusion of three units of platelets, plasma, and blood cells, a procedure that continued into Sunday morning, according to the physician.
Despite the severe clinical situation, a chest X-ray indicated slight respiratory improvement, suggesting a positive response to the antibiotic treatment, as reported by the intensivist.
In recent months, Damir's health has deteriorated with the diagnosis of acute leukemia, further complicating his fragile condition. The family is urgently gathering the necessary documents to expedite a humanitarian visa application, aiming to obtain treatment in a South Florida hospital. Eliannis Ramírez continues to appeal to the international community and U.S. authorities to secure the medical care her son desperately needs. A Miami hospital has offered to take on his case.
Frequently Asked Questions about Damir's Medical Case
Why is Damir's mother blaming the Cuban Health Ministry?
She believes the ministry's failure to provide appropriate and timely medical treatments has worsened Damir's condition, and she holds them accountable if he were to die.
What conditions is Damir suffering from?
Damir is battling neurofibromatosis type 1, a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, and acute leukemia, complicating his already critical health situation.
What steps is Damir's family taking to help him?
The family is working quickly to gather documents for a humanitarian visa application, aiming to secure treatment in a hospital in South Florida, with a Miami hospital ready to assist.