The ashes of young Cuban boy, Damir Ortiz Ramírez, who passed away this Saturday at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, will remain in the United States. His mother, Eliannis Ramírez, has decided to seek political asylum, choosing not to return to Cuba. The announcement was made by activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia on Facebook, who played a pivotal role in bringing Damir to the U.S. for specialized medical care.
"For those concerned about Eliannis, I want to inform you that following the memorial service (date yet to be decided), Damir's ashes will stay in Miami, as his mother has opted to not go back after applying for political asylum," she explained.
Another activist, Aylin Díaz, who was instrumental in facilitating Damir's move to the U.S., emphasized on Facebook that Eliannis Ramírez "fears returning to Cuba due to potential reprisals against her for her outspoken efforts to highlight their struggles," explaining her decision.
Díaz also noted that details regarding the memorial service will be provided soon, allowing those who wish to pay their respects to do so.
Damir, only 10 years old, had been diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 since the age of two and faced numerous health challenges. His condition deteriorated after contracting a bacterial infection in Cuba, leading to widespread sepsis and ultimately, multiple organ failure.
He arrived in the U.S. in critical condition on March 12, following an urgent fundraising campaign driven by his mother and supported by activists and medical professionals dedicated to saving his life.
The boy did not succumb to his underlying medical condition but to an infection caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, exacerbated by inadequate access to proper treatment in Cuba, as explained by Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez. "Damir did not die from cancer per se. He was a victim of severe sepsis due to resistant bacteria, a direct result of poor antibiotic management in Cuba," the doctor clarified in a social media broadcast.
Damir's story has deeply moved the Cuban community both on the island and abroad. It has highlighted the significant shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system and the bureaucratic hurdles families face in obtaining quality medical care.
Impact of Damir's Case on Cuban Healthcare Awareness
Why did Eliannis Ramírez decide not to return to Cuba?
Eliannis Ramírez is seeking political asylum in the U.S. due to fears of reprisals in Cuba for her outspoken criticism and efforts to highlight the challenges they faced.
What were the health challenges faced by Damir Ortiz Ramírez?
Damir was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 and suffered from various health complications, eventually leading to sepsis and organ failure after contracting a bacterial infection in Cuba.
How did the Cuban healthcare system contribute to Damir's death?
The lack of access to proper antibiotic treatment in Cuba led to a severe sepsis from resistant bacteria, contributing to Damir's death.