The Cuban activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia addressed a wave of social media accusations on Monday, which alleged she misappropriated funds collected to save young Damir Ortiz Ramírez. Damir passed away several weeks ago at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami. In a detailed Facebook post, Salcedo disclosed the financial breakdown of the humanitarian campaign and how each dollar was spent.
She also provided documentation showing the process for refunding donations collected through the GoFundMe platform, as requested by both her and Damir's mother, Eliannis Ramírez. Salcedo explained that on March 19, she personally handed over $31,163 to Ramírez, which was the remaining balance from the $57,163.14 swiftly raised for the air ambulance while Damir was still alive and responding positively to treatment.
“The funds were what was left over from the ambulance collection,” Salcedo stated. She elaborated that the total amount was amassed through various channels:
- Zelle: 48,155.13 USD
- Cash: 1,492 USD
- PayPal: 4,340 USD
- Freely Convertible Currency (MLC): 3,913 MLC, approximately 3,176 USD
The total raised was 57,163.14 USD. Of this, 26,000 USD was used to pay for Damir's air ambulance transfer from Cuba to Miami. The remaining funds were given to his mother, who used them for medical, funeral, and personal expenses.
Funds Raised in Cuba and Their Use
Salcedo also noted that a portion of the funds raised in Cuba—over 2 million Cuban pesos—could not initially be transferred. However, it has since been recovered and is being utilized by Eliannis to assist other children facing critical situations on the island.
“I have all the bank statements and the ambulance contract. Endless thanks to everyone. If only all the money in the world could bring Damir back to us. His life changed mine and many others, for the better,” expressed Salcedo Verdecia.
The activist's clarifications come amidst numerous allegations of fund mismanagement in this and other cases, which many view as attempts to tarnish the efforts of those who managed to get Damir out of Cuba despite the bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the regime.
Salcedo's Commitment to Cuban Community
Salcedo Verdecia is well-known for helping thousands in Cuba, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, by providing scarce medicines. In an earlier post, she stated that these smear campaigns, seemingly designed to dissuade her from her mission, will not deter her from what she considers most important: helping "the abandoned Cubans" left behind by the regime.
Damir's death, resulting from a severe bacterial infection and years of medical neglect in his home country, left a significant impact on the Cuban community. His case highlighted the dire shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system, sparking a wave of solidarity both within and outside the island.
Key Questions About Damir's Fundraising Campaign
How was the money raised for Damir Ortiz Ramírez used?
The funds were used primarily for Damir's air ambulance transfer from Cuba to Miami, with the remainder covering medical, funeral, and personal expenses for his family.
What happened to the funds raised in Cuba?
Over 2 million Cuban pesos raised in Cuba were initially unable to be transferred but have since been recovered and are being used to assist other children in critical situations on the island.
Who is Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia?
Salcedo Verdecia is a Cuban activist recognized for her efforts in helping thousands, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, by supplying scarce medicines to those in need.