Saily González Velázquez, a Cuban activist, initiated a heartwarming fundraising campaign on social media this Monday to aid Brianna, a 10-year-old girl from La Sakenaf neighborhood in Santa Clara. Brianna is grappling with a severe condition known as a lingual thyroglossal tumor, which is endangering her ability to breathe.
In a Facebook post, González explained that Brianna has undergone three surgeries in Cuba. However, the tumor has consistently returned. The medical professionals have informed her mother, Yanaris Charlette, that "with the resources available, there's nothing more that can be done." This leaves the family with no viable options within the Cuban healthcare system.
A medical institution in Miami has agreed to take on Brianna's case, presenting what González describes as the only genuine chance for Brianna to receive the crucial treatment she requires. The campaign's goal is to raise $32,000 to cover the surgery costs, airfare, and immigration processes for both Brianna and her mother.
So far, the campaign has raised over $1,500 through generous donations, but there's still a long way to go to reach the target. "We will not stop until Brianna has the chance to heal, to breathe without difficulty, to live like any other child her age," González declared, sharing the GoFundMe link for contributions.
In recent years, GoFundMe campaigns have become a beacon of hope for many Cubans, both on the island and abroad, due to the inadequacies of the healthcare system and institutional limitations. Last January, a family from Holguín launched a campaign to gather $50,000 to bring Daniela, a young girl with a malignant tumor, to the United States for life-saving treatment after exhausting all options in Cuba. Similarly, last March, another young Cuban girl was able to leave the country thanks to public support and a widespread social media effort after being diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder.
Beyond healthcare, Cubans also turn to GoFundMe for cultural and social projects. Recently, filmmaker Lilo Vilaplana initiated a campaign to fund his upcoming movie, urging the Cuban community to support independent productions as a means to highlight silenced realities on the island.
FAQs on Brianna's Fundraising Campaign
What is the goal of Brianna's fundraising campaign?
The campaign aims to raise $32,000 to cover the costs of Brianna's surgery, travel expenses, and immigration processes.
Why can't Brianna be treated in Cuba?
Cuban doctors have indicated that with the limited resources available, they cannot provide further treatment for Brianna's recurring tumor.
How can people contribute to Brianna's cause?
Donations can be made through the GoFundMe link shared by Saily González Velázquez on social media.