Mother of Damir Sends Heartfelt Thanks from Miami Hospital, Urges Cuban Mothers to Open Their Eyes

Eliannis Ramírez, the mother of young Cuban boy Damir Ortiz Ramírez, who arrived in Miami after an intense struggle by his family and the Cuban civil society, expressed her heartfelt gratitude from the pediatric hospital where her son is receiving medical care.

In an interview with Telemundo 51, Eliannis shared, "Thank you to everyone who helped us get here. I have so much to say, but I just can't." She added, visibly moved, "Right now, I just want to talk, talk, and talk, so Cuban mothers can open their eyes. This is on another level; it's the greatest thing in the world."

Damir's transfer to Miami was made possible by the mobilization of Cuban civil society, which raised funds and battled various bureaucratic obstacles both in Cuba and the United States. The family and activists issued an urgent plea for solidarity to save the boy, who suffers from type 1 neurofibromatosis, acute leukemia, kidney damage, and other severe health issues that couldn't be properly treated in Cuba.

Damir was flown on an air ambulance to Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, where he will receive the specialized treatments he desperately needs. Activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia shared images on social media of the boy's arrival, highlighting the achievement of the Cuban community that made his transfer possible. "As it should be! He is now being properly assisted. We are happy," she stated on Facebook.

Damir's case became emblematic of the Cuban civil society's fight against bureaucracy and the lack of resources to handle medical emergencies on the island. Eliannis's determination, alongside the support of thousands of Cubans both inside and outside the country, was pivotal in overcoming obstacles to ensure her son received the essential care he needed.

The ordeal for Damir began in February when his health rapidly declined due to multiple complications. Despite the initial refusal of U.S. authorities to grant a humanitarian visa and delays from Cuba's Ministry of Public Health, the Cuban community rallied to secure his transfer by raising funds, organizing blood donations, and applying pressure online.

Finally, on March 7, the humanitarian visa for Damir was approved, and by March 11, his transfer to Miami was completed. This triumph of civil society is seen as a testament to the power of solidarity and the relentless fight of a people who, despite adversities, mobilized to save the life of a child.