A touching event unfolded at a clinic in Santiago de Cuba, where staff and family gathered to celebrate the quinceañera of Virgen, a Cuban teenager with an intellectual disability. According to a post by the Provincial Government of Santiago de Cuba, "In the Polyclinic of the Antonio Maceo Popular Council, our beautiful Virgen is celebrating her 15th birthday. She is a lovely and remarkable girl with a severe intellectual disability, who has been under the care of our Health and Education personnel at the América Labadi Psychopedagogical Center for over eight years."
The post further expressed, "It is a privilege to bring a beautiful smile to children like Virgencita who need our love and affection," alongside photos of the heartwarming initiative.
This is not an isolated event; Santiago's authorities have previously organized similar activities. Earlier this month, at the Dr. Antonio María Béguez César South Clinical-Surgical Pediatric Hospital, medical staff and family celebrated the quinceañera of Lilianne, a teenager battling mediastinal cancer.
Despite being hospitalized for nearly two months, Lilianne shared her joy in celebrating this special occasion, albeit with the constraints of her health condition. "Today, I felt really good with everyone who came to see me. On this day, my greatest wish is for good health for me and my entire family," she expressed through tears.
Understanding Support for Teens with Disabilities in Cuba
What support is available for teenagers with disabilities in Cuba?
Cuba provides various support services through its healthcare and education systems, including specialized centers like the América Labadi Psychopedagogical Center, which offer care and educational support for individuals with disabilities.
How do communities in Cuba celebrate quinceañeras for teens with health challenges?
Communities often come together to organize special celebrations in clinics or hospitals, ensuring that teens with health challenges can experience their quinceañera surrounded by love and support, despite their medical conditions.