Celebrating his 23rd birthday, Jesús, a young Cuban suffering from Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, was surrounded by the love of his mother and compassionate individuals who made the day memorable despite the family's challenging circumstances. Jesús' mother, María Caridad Pérez, took to social media to express her gratitude to the "angels" who helped make her son's birthday special.
"Only God knows what we have endured together, but we will persevere," María wrote. In her post, she also reaffirmed her determination to secure a humanitarian visa for Jesús, which would enable him to receive specialized medical care abroad. "My fight for your humanitarian visa continues; I will never give up," she vowed.
María’s struggle has been publicly known for years. Back in January 2021, she penned a letter to Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, urging him to understand the dire situation in their household. "I introduce you to my son, a sick young man who deserves to live," she appealed, hoping to touch the leader's heart.
Jesús' condition, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, is among the most severe forms of childhood epilepsy. It causes multiple daily seizures, progressive cognitive decline, and severe disability. The syndrome demands continuous medical attention, specialized therapies, and medication that is scarce in Cuba.
María has frequently highlighted the shortage of medications, the constant power outages that exacerbate Jesús' condition, and the unsustainable living conditions they face. Over the years, she has repeatedly applied for a humanitarian visa to the United States, but to no avail. The most recent denial came in December 2023, despite medical reports confirming the critical state of Jesús' health.
In her relentless quest, María has reached out for support from sponsors, organizations, and kind-hearted individuals, both within and outside Cuba. Jesús’ 23rd birthday was marked by an unyielding spirit: "I had nothing for you, but thanks to the angels, this day was as special as you deserve," María wrote, mixing gratitude with determination.
Despite the setbacks, María has not ceased her efforts to find solutions. Her social media posts resonate with hashtags like a cry of hope: #SOSJesus, #HumanitarianVisa, #Sponsor. "I love you, my life belongs to you until the end," she concluded, a testament to her enduring support for her son, waiting for a resolution that remains elusive.
Questions About Jesús' Situation and Humanitarian Visa Struggles
What medical condition does Jesús suffer from?
Jesús suffers from Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a severe form of childhood epilepsy that leads to frequent seizures, cognitive decline, and severe disability.
Why is María Caridad Pérez seeking a humanitarian visa for her son?
María is seeking a humanitarian visa to allow Jesús to receive specialized medical care abroad, as the necessary treatments and medications are scarce in Cuba.
Has Jesús received any support from organizations or individuals?
Yes, María has sought support from sponsors, organizations, and compassionate individuals both inside and outside of Cuba to aid in Jesús' care and visa pursuit.