At just 10 years old, Evian David Herrera Almeida has never experienced life at home due to a degenerative neuromuscular disease. Since birth, he has been confined to the José Luis Miranda Pediatric Hospital in Villa Clara. His father, Yenis Herrera Rodríguez, denounces this situation as an injustice and a glaring example of neglect by Cuban authorities.
Recently, Herrera has taken to social media to renew his calls for action, highlighting the government's indifference and demanding a tangible solution to finally allow his son to leave the hospital and experience the warmth of a home.
"Once again, I turn to social media, begging desperately for help to raise my voice because, as a father, I will never tire of fighting for my son's rights," Herrera wrote. He shared images of Evian, who appears to be reliant on a ventilator.
Father's Persistent Plea for His Son's Rights
This plea is not new, but it is now more urgent than ever. Herrera claims that despite reaching out to numerous officials throughout the province, he has yet to receive any real solutions, while observing that other children with similar conditions have been moved home with institutional support.
"It's proven that solar panels and air conditioners are available. I don't want more lies. My child deserves to know what a family home feels like. He deserves it, like everyone else, yet he has never experienced it," Herrera lamented.
In previous posts, Herrera has accused local authorities of discrimination: “Other children in the same condition have been prioritized and have received institutional support, unlike us. They have mocked me and my son,” he wrote, calling out Villa Clara officials by name, though he has received no response to date.
Challenges in Bringing Evian Home
Born with a medical condition that necessitates specialized technical assistance, Herrera insists that with basic equipment—such as stable electricity, air conditioning, and certain devices—Evian could safely live at home.
“I just want the government to let me be with my son at home. Is it too much to ask after ten years?” he expressed in a recent post.
Yenis has also addressed his plea to Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, criticizing the inaction of provincial officials. “I demand that Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez do something, as his subordinates have not, if he has any dignity,” he stated.
A Father's Emotional Battle
The father's frustration extends beyond institutional critique, marked by deep-seated anguish from years of solitary struggle. “Today, as despair and pain touch a desperate father's heart once again, I ask this country's government to help me bring my son home,” he wrote.
His determination is unwavering: “My child deserves to know what it's like to live with family, to feel love beyond a medical ward. I'm not asking for luxury, just dignity.”
Evian, who now roams the hospital corridors and is regularly exposed to the outside world, has spent a decade confined within clinical walls, never having experienced sleeping in his own bed, watching TV at home, or simply sharing a meal with family.
Solidarity Offers a Glimmer of Hope
This child's plight, which could have been lost in bureaucratic oblivion, has become a resonating call for action on social media, driven by a father who refuses to give in.
Yenis Herrera demands not only a solution but also respect, response, and justice for his son. While heartbreaking, this scenario is not unprecedented in Cuba, where solutions often emerge from solidarity rather than government management.
Marielys Pérez, mother of Ahittana, who suffers from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, expressed gratitude for the community effort that, in March, provided a home to improve her daughter's quality of life. Ahittana needs to be near the Pinar del Río Pediatric Hospital for ongoing care.
In a heartfelt video, Marielys showcased the new home, thanking those who contributed to adapting it to her daughter's needs. The house includes a climate-controlled room essential for Ahittana's care.
This act of collective support transformed the lives of Marielys and Ahittana, illustrating how community kindness can offer a beacon of hope in challenging times.
Earlier, Marielys shared a touching message expressing her deep gratitude. Her story is one of unwavering love and sacrifice. To cover medical expenses, she even sold her hair, demonstrating the lengths a mother will go for her child's well-being.
Beyond this sacrifice, Marielys has sought assistance repeatedly to ensure her daughter's health. In March 2024, she called for help to obtain an artificial ventilator, crucial for her child's stability amidst Cuba's harsh shortages.
The struggle continued in May of the same year, as she appealed for solidarity again to acquire essential medical equipment. Through social media and other channels, she requested support to purchase a device critical to her daughter's health, highlighting the broader challenges Cuban families face in accessing vital medical supplies.
Her narrative is a testament to a mother's resilience and love, showing relentless determination to fight for her child's life despite overwhelming obstacles.
Insights into Cuba's Healthcare Challenges and Parental Advocacy
What condition does Evian David Herrera Almeida suffer from?
Evian suffers from a degenerative neuromuscular disease that requires specialized medical care.
How has Yenis Herrera responded to the lack of government action?
Yenis Herrera has taken to social media to renew his calls for action, demanding a tangible solution for his son's condition and criticizing the inaction of Cuban officials.
How does the story of Marielys Pérez relate to Evian's situation?
Marielys Pérez's story highlights how community support can bring about positive change, similar to the hope that Yenis Herrera holds for his son through social media advocacy.