On Tuesday, Eliannis Ramírez, mother of young Cuban Damir Ortiz, shared a message filled with hope and emotion: her son, who arrived in the United States on March 12, 2025, for medical treatment, has started breathing on his own at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami. She revealed this uplifting news on her Facebook profile, exclaiming, "Right now, Damir is breathing on his own. Thank you, God!" This marks significant progress for the boy who had been reliant on mechanical ventilation since his arrival in Miami.
Moments later, in another post, she expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they received, recalling that doctors had been pessimistic about his chances. "They told me he wouldn't last 10 days on the ventilator, and look, God, this is for your glory. There's almost nothing left to extubate him," she wrote, emphasizing that every prayer, gesture, and act of solidarity has been worthwhile.
Encouraging Clinical Signs
Earlier on Sunday, Eliannis had hinted at positive developments in Damir's clinical condition: "Today, my boy's leukocytes are over 5, platelets over 100, and hemoglobin over 9." She also mentioned that his bedsores had healed completely and inflammation had decreased, expressing her visible excitement over Damir's response to treatment.
Damir's recovery has touched thousands both inside and outside of Cuba, who closely follow every update from his mother, who shares her faith and gratitude at every step. Since arriving in the United States for medical care, Damir's progress has been remarkable, instilling hope in those following his story.
From Despair to Remarkable Progress
Initially given a bleak prognosis in Cuba, Damir has shown a progressive recovery that contradicts the initial diagnosis from Cuban doctors. His mother accused the Cuban healthcare system of declaring him dead and being a victim of severe medical negligence. Once admitted to a Miami hospital, Damir began responding positively to treatments. Eliannis has openly shared her joy, stating that "he is fighting and continues to improve," highlighting the positive impact of the medical care he now receives.
The stark difference in the quality of care is evident, not only in the procedures performed but also in the renewed hope for his future. One of the most significant milestones was the commencement of his specialized treatment, which included chemotherapy with medication unavailable in Cuba. This was made possible through a humanitarian visa and a network of solidarity that facilitated his urgent transfer to the United States.
Maintaining Privacy Amid Public Attention
Despite the media pressure and public scrutiny surrounding his case, Eliannis has chosen to keep Damir’s exact diagnosis private. She explained her decision to protect her son from unnecessary judgments and speculations, as she detailed in a post explaining why she prefers not to disclose the specific illness Damir is facing.
Key Aspects of Damir's Medical Journey
What prompted Damir's transfer to the United States?
Damir was transferred to the United States for medical treatment not available in Cuba, aided by a humanitarian visa and a solidarity network.
How has Damir responded to the treatment in Miami?
Damir has shown remarkable improvement, including beginning to breathe on his own and responding well to specialized treatments.
Why has Damir’s mother kept his diagnosis private?
Eliannis Ramírez has chosen to keep the diagnosis private to protect her son from unnecessary speculation and judgments.