Tragedy Strikes Cuban Girl Lía as Fire Destroys Family Home Amid Leukemia Battle

A heartbreaking event has further burdened the family of Lía Isabel García Torres, a six-year-old Cuban girl fighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia whose courageous journey has inspired many both in Cuba and abroad. On Friday afternoon, a fire ravaged the rental home they occupied in San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, located at 74 Street #5716 between 57 and 63, consuming all their belongings.

The incident left Yailé Torres's husband, the mother of the young girl, with significant burns. He was urgently taken to Havana for treatment and has since returned, though he continues to bear both physical and emotional scars, according to close associates.

The Community's Call for Support

The devastating loss was brought to public attention through social media by the user La Tijera, who urged the community to rally in support. "The family has lost everything. Lía needs us. Yailé needs us. If you can contribute with donations, essential items, or by sharing this message, you are making a difference," the post read on Facebook, which also included Yailé's contact number: 55357831.

Clarifying the Use of GoFundMe Donations

Following the fire, questions arose on social media about the more than $30,000 raised on GoFundMe for Lía's treatment at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami. Some suggested reallocating part of these funds to aid the family in this new crisis. Addressing these concerns, activist Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, who helped spearhead the fundraising campaign, explained that after the U.S. embassy in Cuba denied the child's visa, the application process began in the U.S. This process is lengthy and requires financial backing, meaning the funds are tied to the visa process and cannot be used for other purposes.

"The priority remains securing that visa. Unfortunately, they lost everything, absolutely everything! But they're alive, and they will overcome this because God is with them," Salcedo shared on Facebook.

A Mother's Gratitude and Focus

In a video, Lía's mother expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support and emphasized that the GoFundMe money must remain allocated solely for her daughter's medical treatment. "As you know, Lía has a GoFundMe, but it cannot be utilized because we are still processing her visa for the United States so she can receive treatment for her leukemia," she stressed.

Lía's Ongoing Battle and Community Solidarity

Lía's story, set in Mayabeque province, has touched the hearts of countless individuals. Diagnosed last year, she has faced numerous complications during her treatment at Havana's Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital, including intensive care admissions due to adverse reactions. Although Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami has accepted her case, the family must cover their living and treatment expenses, as they have no relatives in the U.S., only friends willing to support them. Consequently, funds were raised to meet these costs.

Thanks to activists like Yamilka Lafita (known as Lara Crofs) and Diasniurka Salcedo, the $30,000 goal was achieved early this year to facilitate Lía's specialized care in Miami. However, immigration challenges have hindered this goal.

Despite these setbacks, the community remains united in its support. Amidst the sorrow and losses, Lía's story continues to symbolize hope, resilience, and the powerful solidarity that arises when it is most needed. To aid Lía's family, you can contact them at +53 5535 7831.