Damir Faces Serious Threat to His Vision

Eliannis Ramírez, the mother of Damir Ortiz, the young Cuban boy who was urgently transferred to the United States for medical care, has shared a heart-wrenching message on Facebook about her son’s condition. In a post accompanied by pictures of toy cars cherished by Damir, she conveyed her profound sadness and desperation over the possibility that her son might have lost his sight irreversibly.

“Looking at these toy cars fills me with immense and deep sadness because, as much as I want to stay positive, I can't ignore the reality that my child’s vision and life were ruined. The ophthalmologist says he doesn’t believe Damir will regain his sight, and that breaks me,” Ramírez wrote.

At 10 years old, Damir always dreamed of visiting the "land of toys," and just this January, he confided in his mother his wish to celebrate his 11th birthday in the United States. Now, his future hangs in the balance due to incorrect treatment received in Cuba. “My strong boy, if I need to donate my eye, my retina, my cornea, or whatever it takes for you to see your toy cars, I will do it, you can count on that,” Eliannis added.

The distressed mother also made severe accusations against the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP)MINSAP, your doctors have destroyed my son’s happiness, and they will pay,” she asserted with evident pain, marking her frustration with the treatment received in her homeland.

A Glimpse of Hope Amidst Uncertainty

Although Damir’s road to recovery remains uncertain, his mother persists in fighting for a future filled with hope and love. Currently receiving treatment at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, Damir is showing signs of improvement after battling the aftermath of the incorrect treatment in Cuba. “He’s fighting and continues to improve,” she noted, highlighting that her son no longer has a fever and his health has stabilized.

Medical attention in Miami has been a pivotal factor in his recovery. “Here, they show you everything. There’s no waiting for hours for results. Everything is documented, and the doctors and nurses give you their phone numbers for any questions,” Ramírez commented, emphasizing the transparency and quality of care her son is receiving.

Challenges Beyond Vision Loss

The change in diagnosis has brought relief to the family, as it was confirmed that Damir does not have leukemia, contrary to the information they received in Cuba. However, he still faces other hurdles, such as hospital-acquired infections he contracted while in the Cuban hospital, caused by bacteria like Klebsiella and Enterobacter cloacae, typically due to poor hygiene conditions. This further complicates his situation, but he is now receiving appropriate antibiotic treatment.

In her posts, Eliannis also expressed deep pain over what transpired in Cuba and accused the Cuban regime of abandoning her son. “They gave up on Damir and considered him dead. It’s all part of the same system, the same bad government,” she declared in a message full of anger and disappointment.

Activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo, who played a crucial role in securing a humanitarian visa and facilitating Damir’s transfer to the United States, also condemned the chemotherapy treatment given in Cuba, stating it worsened his condition and was inappropriate.

Despite the challenges, Eliannis continues to fight for her son and has called on the community to keep praying for him. “Despite his delicate condition, he has improved and continues to improve. He is a fighter and will overcome this,” she concluded with hope.

Damir still faces a long road to recovery, but his mother and family remain hopeful that he will soon overcome this painful ordeal and embrace a future filled with love and hope.