Eliannis Ramírez, the mother of Cuban child Damir Ortiz, disclosed this Monday that her son was suffering from Ewing's sarcoma, but was mistakenly treated with leukemia chemotherapy for Burkitt's disease in Cuban hospitals. In a Facebook post, Ramírez publicly accused the medical system in Cuba of misdiagnosing her son, a mistake she claims cost him his life.
"My son had Ewing's sarcoma and your murderous doctors administered leukemia chemotherapy for Burkitt's disease to his spine," the grieving mother wrote, her message filled with pain and anger. According to her account, Damir underwent three myelograms and three bone marrow biopsies, procedures that failed to correctly identify his illness.
Grave Medical Negligence
Ramírez held the Cuban public health system accountable for what she considers a severe case of medical negligence. "They killed him," she stated, asserting that Damir fell victim to a flawed system incapable of accurately diagnosing and treating his condition. Although she cannot bring her son back, Ramírez is determined that his story will not go unnoticed.
In her testimony, she highlighted the suffering her son endured and expressed her frustration over the lack of answers and the treatment received from medical staff. In March, after Damir was transferred to the United States for medical care unavailable in Cuba, Ramírez chose not to publicly disclose the exact diagnosis to protect the case from potential legal repercussions against the regime.
The Fight for Justice
Diasniurka Salcedo, an activist who played a crucial role in securing the humanitarian visa, explained that the decision to withhold details was made to prevent Cuban authorities from preparing and manipulating the situation in their favor. In a live Facebook broadcast, Salcedo emphasized that Damir's case is not isolated, but rather indicative of more severe issues, as he was misdiagnosed and received incorrect treatment in Cuba.
On the island, Damir was told he had leukemia, but upon arrival at Miami's Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, doctors confirmed he did not have that disease. The activist stressed that this case is filled with elements that could be used to seek justice, not only for Damir but for other Cuban children facing similar challenges. "This is the case of a child who was misdiagnosed and mistreated in a so-called medical powerhouse. We have all the necessary arguments to take action," she asserted.
Legal Precautions and Emotional Farewell
Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez, a doctor involved in the case, supported the decision to keep the diagnosis confidential. On Facebook, he stated that Damir's accurate diagnosis is secured legally and will be revealed when appropriate. "I won't give them time to prepare and lie again. Justice for thousands of Cuban children is at stake," Ruano declared.
The physician warned those attempting to obtain information about Damir's case that they are not authorized to receive it, and that U.S. authorities have taken clear measures on the matter. "We'll see you in court hearings. They will return to the international list of human rights violators because they are," Ruano added.
Recently, Ramírez shared a deeply emotional post dedicated to her son, touching thousands on social media. In her message, Eliannis expressed her profound grief with words that conveyed tenderness and rawness: "You are not dead, you are asleep and waiting for me. You are mine forever, my warrior prince. I love no one more than you. I love you so much, son, I love you, I love you, I love you. How this hurts, Damir. You are asleep, you are my life and my drive, my most sincere feeling is you, my son of my soul."
Young Damir was laid to rest this past Sunday at the Caballero Rivero funeral home in Hialeah, surrounded by white flower wreaths, his mother, and members of the Cuban exile community who gathered to bid farewell to the boy who fought valiantly for his life.
Ewing's Sarcoma Misdiagnosis in Cuba
What was the initial misdiagnosis given to Damir in Cuba?
Damir was initially misdiagnosed with leukemia, specifically Burkitt's disease, in Cuba.
Where was Damir's correct diagnosis confirmed?
His correct diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma was confirmed at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami.
Why did Eliannis Ramírez initially keep the diagnosis confidential?
Eliannis Ramírez kept the diagnosis confidential to protect the case from potential legal actions against the Cuban regime.