After a heartfelt campaign, Cuban boy Damir Ortiz Ramírez, whose plight touched the hearts of many within and outside the island, has finally reached Miami, USA, via an air ambulance. This marks the culmination of weeks of struggle, numerous bureaucratic hurdles, and a determined effort led by his mother, Eliannis Ramírez, along with Cuban civil society.
“At 5:53 a.m. Cuban time, #SOSDAMIR took off towards Nicklaus Children's Hospital. Cuban civil society has succeeded in saving another child. We've achieved an unprecedented victory in Cuba's history. Thank you, Cubans,” expressed activist Yamilka Lafita, who is known on Facebook as Lara Crofs.
In recent hours, Cuban civil society activists have been diligently reporting every step of the young boy's journey from Havana to Miami. Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, stationed at Miami International Airport (MIA), captured footage of the air ambulance's arrival. “Our boy is here! He’s in the land of toys, as promised,” she posted, sharing a video of the aircraft's landing. Previously, Salcedo Verdecia shared videos and photos of the American medical team preparing for the patient’s transfer in Havana.
A Grueling Journey
Damir's ordeal began mid-February when his family made a desperate plea for help as his health deteriorated. On February 13, he was admitted to the Neurological Hospital in Havana, where his condition worsened due to a new diagnosis complicating his clinical picture.
The 10-year-old was diagnosed with several serious medical conditions that significantly impacted his health. Initially, he was identified with Type 1 Neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder causing tumors to grow in the nervous system. This condition led to the development of a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye, affecting his vision and causing severe ocular inflammation.
His situation worsened with an acute leukemia diagnosis, further compromising his health and requiring urgent medical attention. Additionally, Damir faced further complications, including kidney damage and a significant drop in platelets and hemoglobin, resulting in bleeding episodes and the need for transfusions.
Overcoming Bureaucratic Barriers
Damir's mother, determined to get him the necessary care unavailable in Cuba, initiated a campaign to transfer him to the U.S. However, they immediately faced obstacles. On February 6, the U.S. authorities denied a humanitarian visa, a devastating blow to the family. The Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) also posed challenges, repeatedly obstructing the process.
Despite these setbacks, Damir's mother did not give up. With support from thousands of Cubans both on the island and abroad, she persisted in seeking travel authorization. On February 19, in a desperate attempt to save her son, she made a public plea for assistance to leave the country. This call resonated with activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens, who began pushing for a resolution.
Solidarity in the Face of Red Tape
By early March, Damir's health deteriorated further while he remained in intensive care in Cuba. Although the Cuban diaspora and those on the island mobilized to raise funds, bureaucracy continued to impose barriers. On March 7, Damir finally received the humanitarian visa needed to travel to the U.S., a crucial step in his fight for life.
However, new obstacles arose just as things seemed resolved. The absence of a bank account in Damir's name delayed the air ambulance payment, causing further uncertainty. His mother, exhausted and anxious, faced endless paperwork to unblock the process. Cuban civil society rallied to help, organizing fundraisers and applying pressure on social media to expedite the child's departure.
On March 8, it was announced that the funds for his transfer were secured, but on March 9, new exit permit issues emerged. Each small victory seemed to bring new state-imposed barriers. On March 11, in a final act of solidarity, Cubans on the island mobilized to donate blood and assist the child before his departure. This act of brotherhood and resistance reflected the spirit of Cuban civil society, which, faced with systemic inefficiency, took charge to save Damir’s life.
After weeks of anxiety and relentless struggles, Damir boarded an air ambulance bound for the U.S., where he will receive the medical care needed for recovery, a care that Cuban health authorities tried to withhold to protect the "prestige" of their public health services.
His story is a testament to the power of solidarity and a mother’s determination to fight for her son's life against a system that erected barriers at every turn, yet was unable to stop the will of a community determined to save an innocent life.
Key Questions About Damir's Journey and Medical Care
What medical conditions does Damir have?
Damir has been diagnosed with Type 1 Neurofibromatosis, a plexiform neurofibroma affecting his eye, acute leukemia, kidney damage, and issues with low platelets and hemoglobin.
How did Cuban civil society contribute to Damir's transfer?
Cuban civil society organized campaigns, fundraisers, pressured on social media, and even donated blood to support Damir's medical evacuation to the U.S.
What were the main obstacles faced during Damir's transfer?
The family encountered visa denials, bureaucratic delays, and financial hurdles, including issues with payment for the air ambulance.
Where will Damir receive medical treatment in the U.S.?
Damir is set to receive medical care at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami.