The United States Embassy in Cuba expressed profound sorrow over the death of 10-year-old Cuban boy, Damir Ortiz Ramírez, who passed away at 5:00 am this past Saturday at the Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami after a long struggle for survival.
The U.S. consular office offered "its deepest condolences" and stood in solidarity "with the grief of his family, friends, and the entire community mourning his passing today." "May his memory live on," they shared on platform X, accompanied by a dove symbol, representing peace and respect.
The message garnered significant attention from Cuban users on Facebook. Many highlighted the young boy's ordeal, describing him as "a warrior victim of communism" and "another casualty of our disastrous situation." Further comments extended sympathy toward the child's mother, considering her also a victim of the circumstances. "May God grant strength to his mother and family," one user wrote, while another pleaded for her direct assistance: "Please, help that mother, do not let her return; her life is at risk. The dictatorship killed her son, and she is in danger for defending and speaking the truth."
Although unfounded, such comments reflect the pervasive fear in an environment where raising awareness of deficiencies can be perceived as an act of defiance.
The Struggles of Damir Ortiz: A System's Failures
Damir's story highlights the shortcomings and challenges of the Cuban healthcare system. Initially diagnosed in Cuba with type 1 neurofibromatosis and later with Burkitt lymphoma, the young boy underwent aggressive treatments, including chemotherapy. His mother, Eliannis Ramírez, claimed these were improperly administered and based on an uncertain diagnosis.
Faced with a lack of resources and answers on the island, Eliannis launched a desperate campaign to transfer her son to the United States for proper medical care. However, she encountered numerous bureaucratic obstacles imposed by the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), which refused to issue the necessary documentation for a humanitarian visa. MINSAP insisted that Cuba had the resources to treat Damir, despite the apparent deficiencies and his worsening condition.
Damir's plight rallied the Cuban civil society, which, through social media campaigns and fundraising, managed to finance an air ambulance to take him to Miami. On March 12, after overcoming numerous hurdles, Damir was admitted to Nicklaus Children's Hospital, where he received a different diagnosis, revealing the mistakes made in his homeland.
Despite initial signs of improvement, his condition worsened due to an extremely aggressive bacterium, reportedly contracted in Cuba. Despite the Miami medical team's efforts, Damir passed away this Saturday.
As Damir's family navigates this painful time, the Cuban community, both on the island and in exile, continues to call for changes to prevent future tragedies like this one.
Frequently Asked Questions about Damir Ortiz's Case
What was the initial diagnosis given to Damir Ortiz in Cuba?
Damir Ortiz was initially diagnosed with type 1 neurofibromatosis in Cuba, followed by a diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma.
Why did Damir's mother seek medical treatment in the United States?
Damir's mother, Eliannis Ramírez, sought medical treatment in the United States due to the lack of resources and proper medical care in Cuba, as well as the incorrect administration of treatments based on an uncertain diagnosis.
What challenges did Damir face in receiving medical care abroad?
Damir faced numerous bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, which refused to issue necessary documentation for a humanitarian visa, claiming that Cuba could provide the required treatment.