Rocío Bustamante Riverón, an 11-year-old girl suffering from an orbital lymphangioma—a tumor affecting her left eye—has made a heartfelt appeal for international assistance to obtain medical treatment. Since she was just 11 months old, Rocío has battled this benign yet invasive tumor, which significantly disrupts her ability to enjoy a normal childhood.
"I would like to ask the whole world to help me heal my eye," Rocío pleads in a video shared by her mother on social media. "I love jumping on the trampoline and playing in the inflatable park, but I can't because of my illness," the young girl expresses.
Her mother, Adela Amparo Riverón Vega, reports that despite visits to several hospitals in Cuba, including William Soler, Juan Manuel Márquez, and Ramón Pando Ferrer, Rocío has not received any substantial treatment in over ten years. Doctors have advised waiting to see how the tumor progresses, stating surgery would only be considered if it ruptures.
Current Crisis and Lack of Medical Support
For more than three months now, Rocío has endured ongoing crises, marked by frequent bleeding from the affected eye, severe headaches, and inadequate medical follow-up. "I see her getting worse," her mother admits in a statement to our newsroom.
In 2018, doctors like Dr. Julio César González Gómez and Dr. Odelaisys Hernández Echevarría warned that the ideal treatment was incomplete and risky in Cuba due to insufficient medical resources and expertise.
Seven years later, the situation in Cuba's healthcare system has deteriorated further, exacerbated by a shortage of supplies and specialized equipment. The Oncology Institute has acknowledged the absence of viable treatment options and the expertise required for procedures such as ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheter drainage.
Appeal for International Support
Despite the existence of a department within the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) for international medical assistance, Rocío has not received help to seek treatment abroad. Her recent CT scan, conducted at her mother's insistence, highlighted the lack of regular examinations she has faced over the years. The only palliative measures offered have been eye drops, occasional compresses, and sporadic check-ups.
At her young age, Rocío understands the profound impact of her condition. Beyond physical discomfort, she is pained by her inability to play like other children. "I just want to ask the world to help me heal my eye so I can play and enjoy my childhood like other kids," she says.
Broader Context of Healthcare Challenges in Cuba
Rocío's plight is not isolated. Other Cuban mothers have publicly voiced their struggles to secure adequate medical care for their children, such as Brianna Charlette Blanco, who has a tumor at the base of her tongue, and Jorgito Reina, a boy with leukemia awaiting a humanitarian visa to receive treatment in the United States for nearly two years.
Rocío's family has turned to social media and independent media outlets to raise awareness of her situation and seek a solution beyond the national healthcare system. Meanwhile, Rocío continues to hope for the chance to play, jump, run, and live like any other girl her age.
FAQs on Medical Challenges in Cuba
What is an orbital lymphangioma?
An orbital lymphangioma is a benign, yet invasive tumor that affects the eye area, potentially disrupting normal vision and causing other health issues.
Why hasn't Rocío received adequate treatment in Cuba?
The Cuban healthcare system faces a shortage of specialized equipment and expertise, making it challenging to provide the necessary treatment for Rocío's condition.
How is Rocío's family seeking help?
Rocío's family is utilizing social media and independent media platforms to bring attention to her medical situation and appeal for international assistance.