Positive updates continue to emerge from Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, where young Damir Ortiz, a Cuban child in critical condition, was taken for specialized medical care. The 10-year-old does not have leukemia, contrary to the diagnosis given at the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery in Havana last February.
Eliannis Ramírez, Damir's mother, confirmed that new tests have completely ruled out Burkitt's leukemia. "Damir has tested negative for Burkitt's leukemia. It's confirmed; he does not have this type of leukemia. We keep pushing forward because hope is still alive. Thank God, my son will soon have an accurate diagnosis and quality treatment," Ramírez shared on Facebook. She also questioned the reliability of Cuban medical diagnoses.
Last Friday, Eliannis had already hinted at the possibility of a misdiagnosis, stating, "We are waiting for results to confirm, but it seems likely." Meanwhile, activist Aylin Díaz reported that Damir's condition is stable, noting, "He responds to questions with nods and gestures. His lungs are improving, and they are treating the bacteria found. He's less swollen!"
Damir suffers from neurofibromatosis type 1, which has resulted in a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, affecting his vision and causing severe eye inflammation. He has also dealt with additional complications, including kidney damage and a severe drop in platelets and hemoglobin, leading to bleeding and the need for transfusions.
According to his mother, Damir arrived in the United States with a lung infection that went undetected in Cuba. "He's getting better, thank God, little by little. I can see the changes," she stated. In a previous post, Ramírez showcased a shirt with "SOS Damir," expressing her gratitude to the community that rallied to save her son's life.
The boy was flown to Miami in an air ambulance funded by Cubans both on the island and in exile, overcoming numerous hurdles. Due to the deterioration of his health in Cuba, activists like Diasniurka Salcedo, Aylín Díaz, and Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano worked tirelessly to facilitate his transfer to Miami. This process involved navigating bureaucratic, financial, and legal challenges, including obtaining a humanitarian visa for Damir and his mother, and securing a medical airplane due to his critical condition.
Salcedo has openly criticized the delay in authorizing Damir's transfer from Cuba, attributing his worsened state to the Cuban regime's negligence. "If they had allowed him to travel sooner, his health wouldn't have been as critical. The Cuban government let a child suffer before approving his relocation," she asserted.
Damir's journey, characterized by the struggle to receive proper medical care, continues to highlight critiques of the Cuban healthcare system's ability to provide accurate diagnoses and quality treatment. Meanwhile, the family remains hopeful for his complete recovery.
Understanding Damir's Medical Journey
What condition does Damir suffer from?
Damir suffers from neurofibromatosis type 1, which has led to a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, affecting his vision and causing severe inflammation.
How did Damir get to Miami for treatment?
Damir was flown to Miami in an air ambulance funded by Cubans on the island and in exile, after overcoming numerous bureaucratic, financial, and legal challenges.
What were the complications Damir faced in Cuba?
In Cuba, Damir faced multiple complications including a misdiagnosis of leukemia, kidney damage, a severe drop in platelets and hemoglobin, and an undetected lung infection.