In Miami, the community is coming together to honor the memory of young Geobel Damir Ortiz, who passed away after enduring years of inadequate medical care in Cuba. This Sunday, his wake is being held at Caballero Rivero Funeral Home in Hialeah, where his grieving mother and members of the Cuban exile community bid farewell to the brave child who fought for his life until the very end.
Journalists from Cubanet, reporting live from the funeral home, noted the presence of human rights activists and supporters who have gathered to mourn the loss of Damir. The venue has seen a steady stream of visitors, with doors opening only for those paying their respects, as requested by Damir's mother, Eliannis Ramírez.
Among those present, former political prisoner Angélica Garrido and activist Diasniurka Salcedo refrained from making public statements, sharing in the silent grief. Eliannis Ramírez, overwhelmed with sorrow, arrived at the site in tears and requested that no photos or videos be taken during the wake. The visitation will continue until 10:00 pm at Caballero Rivero Funeral Home, located at 373 W 9th St #377, Hialeah, FL 33010.
Amelia Calzadilla, who recently traveled to Miami to support Eliannis, shared with Cubanet that Damir's case highlighted the unity among Cubans and exposed the Cuban regime's attempts to discredit the efforts made for Damir. Social media has been flooded with poignant messages marking this day of farewell. Activist Yamilka Lafita, known as Lara Crofs, announced a temporary silence on her profile, observing a period of mourning for Damir.
Calzadilla expressed that numerous mothers from Cuba and abroad have reached out, asking her to convey their love and condolences to Eliannis Ramírez and Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia. In their honor, she dedicated a floral arrangement symbolizing unity in grief. Damir's ashes will remain in Miami, as his mother, Eliannis, has sought political asylum in the United States.
Salcedo Verdecia, instrumental in arranging Damir's transfer to the U.S. for specialized medical care, revealed that Ramírez has applied for asylum to avoid potential repercussions for speaking out about their experiences. Diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 at age two, Damir faced numerous health challenges, which worsened after contracting a bacterial infection in Cuba, leading to sepsis and multi-organ failure.
After an intense fundraising campaign, Damir reached the United States in critical condition. His death was not caused by his underlying condition but by a severe bacterial infection compounded by the lack of appropriate antibiotic treatment in Cuba, as explained by Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez. Damir's story has resonated deeply with the Cuban community worldwide, shedding light on the deficiencies of the Cuban healthcare system and the bureaucratic hurdles families face in seeking quality medical care.
Key Questions About Damir's Tragic Case
What was the underlying condition that Damir suffered from?
Damir was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1, a genetic disorder that can cause tumors to form on nerve tissue, among other complications.
What led to Damir's critical condition and eventual passing?
His condition deteriorated due to a bacterial infection contracted in Cuba, which led to sepsis and ultimately resulted in multi-organ failure.
Why did Eliannis Ramírez seek political asylum in the United States?
Eliannis Ramírez applied for political asylum to avoid potential reprisals for publicly criticizing the inadequate healthcare and conditions her son faced in Cuba.
How has Damir's story impacted the Cuban community?
Damir's case has highlighted the shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system and the unity among Cubans in rallying for better medical care, both within and outside of Cuba.