Cuban activist Lara Crofs is calling for immediate assistance to save the life of a 10-year-old girl suffering from a rare and painful congenital disease. The story of Brianna, who resides in Villa Clara, highlights yet again the tragic shortcomings of Cuba's healthcare system in addressing complex diseases that require specialized care.
Since the age of two, Brianna has struggled with an unusual condition: a lingual thyroglossal cyst with a fistulous tract, a malformation at the base of her tongue partially obstructing her airways. This ailment causes her to experience episodes of choking, vomiting, tachycardia, severe pain, and difficulty speaking and swallowing her own saliva. Her health has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks.
The Urgent Need for Specialized Medical Care
Brianna's condition prevents her from attending school regularly, as her teachers fear a severe episode might occur during classes. Her mother, overwhelmed with distress, works tirelessly to keep her stable as time runs out. "A 10-year-old shouldn't live in fear of choking on food. A brave child shouldn't be losing weight because she can't swallow," Lara Crofs expressed on Facebook.
Despite undergoing three surgeries in Cuba, doctors have acknowledged the lack of necessary technology and resources in the country to provide a definitive solution. The malformation continually reoccurs, and available treatments only temporarily alleviate symptoms without inhibiting the cyst's growth.
Seeking Hope Beyond Borders
In desperation, Brianna's family has secured acceptance for her case at a specialized hospital in Miami. The surgery she requires is intricate and demands high precision. The total cost, which includes the surgical operation, hospitalization, visa processing, and travel expenses for her and her mother, amounts to $32,000—an unattainable figure for an average Cuban family, especially amid the country's severe economic and healthcare crisis.
A Broken Healthcare System
While the Cuban government continues to boast of a "free and universal healthcare system" at international forums, cases like Brianna's paint a starkly different picture: a public healthcare system in collapse, lacking cutting-edge technology, basic medications, and the capacity to handle complex cases.
Instead of ensuring the right to health, families are forced to seek help on social media, hoping that solidarity can provide what the State has failed to deliver.
How to Provide Assistance
Lara urges people to share Brianna's story, as increased visibility boosts the chances of obtaining support. "Donate whatever you can: $1, $5, $10... every bit helps. (...) If you wish to see medical documents or speak with the family, feel free to reach out. We are open and available for any questions," she explained.
The most distressing aspect is that a Cuban child's life hinges on digital charity, while the government allocates resources to propaganda, repression, or extravagant constructions for foreign tourism. Where is the right to healthcare when a life-saving surgery can only be performed abroad?
Brianna urgently needs assistance. Her case shouldn't fade into the background among countless silenced stories. She deserves to live without fear, without pain, and without becoming another victim of a system that has ceased to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brianna's Situation
What is Brianna's medical condition?
Brianna suffers from a lingual thyroglossal cyst with a fistulous tract, which is a malformation at the base of her tongue that partially obstructs her airways.
Why can't Brianna receive the necessary treatment in Cuba?
Cuba lacks the advanced technology and resources required to provide a definitive solution to Brianna's condition, and current treatments only offer temporary relief.
How can people help Brianna?
People can help by donating funds for her surgery and related expenses and by sharing her story to increase awareness and support.