Cubans will have the opportunity to pay their respects to Damir Ortiz, the young Cuban boy, later this week at a funeral home in Hialeah, Miami-Dade County. This somber announcement was made by Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano, who had been overseeing Damir's medical care during his illness, which necessitated a humanitarian visa for treatment outside of Cuba.
In a heartfelt Facebook broadcast, Dr. Ruano shared that the funeral services will be held at Caballero Rivero Funeral Home in Hialeah, with arrangements expected by Wednesday or Thursday. Located at 373 W 9th St #377, this venue was chosen for its larger capacity to accommodate members of the Cuban exile community wishing to say their final goodbye to the young boy.
A group of compassionate Cubans worked together to organize the funeral services. Presently, Damir's body is being transferred from Nicklaus Children's Hospital, where he passed away on Saturday, to the funeral home's morgue services. Dr. Ruano expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support and the contributions from Cubans who were involved in Damir's case and continue to oversee the funeral arrangements.
"Our little one, our warrior hero, has left us," Dr. Ruano said tearfully, who serves as president of the Cuban Free Medical Guild. He assured that the exact date and time for the wake will be confirmed in the coming days.
Damir Ortiz Ramírez passed away on Saturday at 5:00 am. In his final hours, his health had significantly deteriorated. Although the precise cause of death hasn't been disclosed, it appears he succumbed to a highly aggressive bacterial infection contracted in Cuba.
The news has deeply affected thousands of Cubans across various countries who were hopeful for his recovery. Damir suffered from neurofibromatosis type 1, among other health issues, and was transported from Cuba in critical condition to receive specialized medical treatment. Unfortunately, his body couldn't withstand the illness.
Damir's case garnered significant attention as his transfer to the United States was made possible through a vigorous fundraising campaign and the support of the Cuban civil community. Moreover, his story highlighted the resource shortages and bureaucratic obstacles within the Cuban healthcare system. He was a victim of misdiagnosis and medical negligence in Cuba, where he received improper treatment.
Key Questions about Damir Ortiz's Case
What were the circumstances of Damir Ortiz's illness?
Damir Ortiz suffered from neurofibromatosis type 1 and other health complications. He was critically ill when transferred from Cuba to the United States for specialized medical treatment.
How did the Cuban community support Damir Ortiz?
The Cuban community rallied together through a fundraising campaign and civil support efforts to ensure Damir received the necessary medical treatment in the United States.
What does Damir's story reveal about the Cuban healthcare system?
Damir's case exposed significant issues within the Cuban healthcare system, including resource shortages, bureaucratic hurdles, misdiagnosis, and medical negligence.