Young Damir Ortiz Ramírez from Cuba, suffering from neurofibromatosis type 1 and a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, along with acute leukemia, has been granted a humanitarian visa to receive medical treatment at a hospital in the United States. The news was confirmed via a Facebook live by activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, who explained that the U.S. Embassy in Cuba informed Damir's mother, Eliannis Ramírez, that the travel parole was approved.
"They said the embassy would remain open for Damir," celebrated the activist, who has been advocating for travel permission to save the boy's life. The embassy conveyed this hopeful development to Eliannis Ramírez, specifying that she should visit the embassy on Saturday. In a rare exception, the embassy will open on the weekend due to the urgency of Damir’s condition.
Urgent Need for Medical Transport
Despite the visa approval, Damir requires an air ambulance to the United States, a service estimated to cost around $38,000, as noted by Salcedo. Although a fundraising effort through GoFundMe was set up to support the family, the funds cannot be accessed until Damir arrives in the U.S. and proof of his location is provided. Salcedo urged the Cuban community to contribute financially, even a single dollar, to help cover the cost of the air ambulance.
“Once they have the visa stamped in the passport, we will need to come together to pay for the air ambulance and save the child because he desperately needs it. The fundraiser is on hold because policy dictates the funds cannot be used until the child is here,” Salcedo explained.
Calls for Community Support
Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez, president of the Gremio Médico Cubano Libre, emphasized the importance of uniting to transfer Damir from the Cuban hospital. "They are not doing what needs to be done; they're doing what they think they should do while we fight for them to act correctly," he remarked. Dr. Ruano Sánchez urged people to share financial details to expedite Damir's transfer.
Last week, Dr. Ruano noted that the lack of appropriate medical treatment had worsened Damir’s condition. He added that a necessary biopsy to confirm the neurofibroma in Damir's eye was never conducted, exacerbating his health issues. Damir’s condition has deteriorated further with the diagnosis of acute leukemia, complicating his already fragile health.
Hope for a New Beginning
A Miami, Florida hospital has agreed to treat Damir, and a fundraising campaign was launched to collect $40,000 for medical and travel expenses. Previously, the family’s request for a humanitarian visa was denied due to missing documentation from Cuba’s Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP). Despite this setback, Eliannis Ramírez and Cuban activists continued to appeal to international communities and U.S. authorities for access to the urgent medical care Damir needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Damir Ortiz's Medical Journey
What medical conditions does Damir Ortiz suffer from?
Damir Ortiz has been diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1, a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, and acute leukemia.
Why was the humanitarian visa crucial for Damir?
The visa allows Damir to travel to the United States for critical medical treatment that is not available in Cuba, potentially saving his life.
How can people help support Damir's medical expenses?
Individuals can contribute financially to cover the cost of the air ambulance and other expenses. The community is encouraged to donate even small amounts to reach the needed funds.