Damir Ortiz, a young Cuban whose story has touched the hearts of many both on the island and abroad, is still fighting a difficult battle for his life in the United States. Recent updates on his fragile health have been provided by Cuban activist Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, who has made an emotional appeal for solidarity, urging a prayer chain for the boy amid growing criticism of the Cuban health system and attacks from pro-regime sectors.
According to the activist, Damir's condition is stable despite its severity, but he is grappling with an extremely aggressive bacteria he contracted in Cuba. "The disease itself is not the main issue right now; it's the bacteria, folks. A very strong bacteria," she emphasized.
Salcedo explained that Damir arrived with two infections, and although he has received the best possible care in the U.S., one of the bacteria poses a significant threat to his stability and clinical progress.
Global Prayer Chain for Damir
In light of these challenges, Salcedo called for a global prayer chain for Damir, scheduled for this Thursday at seven in the evening. Initially planned to be held at the Ermita de la Caridad del Cobre, the venue was unexpectedly closed due to another event. "We were forced to move to the public parks at Mercy, and we will be by the bay across from Mercy Hospital, staying until 8:00," she explained.
She reiterated that everyone who can attend will be warmly welcomed and appreciated. "The boy needs this prayer chain," she insisted, visibly moved.
Controversy and Criticism
Salcedo also addressed the attacks from websites aligned with the Cuban government, which have attempted to discredit the humanitarian support Damir has received and the efforts of those supporting him. "Negative energy, folks, is very harmful," she warned in response to the smear campaign, which, as in previous cases, aims to divert attention from the Cuban state's responsibility in such tragedies.
Diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 and a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, as well as acute leukemia, Damir arrived in Miami on March 12 for specialized medical treatment. This relocation was made possible through an intense fundraising campaign and the acquisition of a humanitarian visa, overcoming many bureaucratic hurdles imposed by Cuban authorities.
Once at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, Damir began receiving appropriate medical care. However, it was discovered that the leukemia diagnosis made in Cuba was incorrect, resulting in unnecessary chemotherapy that further damaged his health.
Controversial Statements from Cuban Health Authorities
On March 28, the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) made a special appearance on national television to defend the care provided to Damir at the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital. During this broadcast, medical authorities blamed Damir's mother, Eliannis Ramírez, for interfering with her son's treatment.
Eliannis refuted these accusations, stating that MINSAP's claims were false. She declared that doctors in Cuba were "letting her son die" and that the leukemia diagnosis was incorrect. Furthermore, she noted that the doctors on television had not directly treated Damir.
The MINSAP's statements sparked a wave of outrage on social media. Citizens and healthcare professionals accused the doctors of lying and covering up a series of negligent acts in Damir's case.
Key Questions on Damir's Health Situation
What is the current health status of Damir Ortiz?
Damir Ortiz's condition is stable despite its severity, as he battles a highly aggressive bacteria contracted in Cuba, posing a significant threat to his health.
Why is the global prayer chain for Damir being organized?
The global prayer chain is being organized by Diasniurka Salcedo to gather support and solidarity for Damir as he continues his fight against serious health challenges.
What errors were made in Damir's medical diagnosis in Cuba?
In Cuba, Damir was misdiagnosed with leukemia, leading to unnecessary chemotherapy that further harmed his health.