Cuban Mother in Texas Seeks Support for Her Baby with Rare Neurological Disorder

Rafaela Beatriz Guilarte Zuñiga, a 26-year-old Cuban mother living in Texas, is reaching out for assistance to cover the medical care of her 20-month-old baby, who is battling a rare neurological disorder. Guilarte Zuñiga has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to facilitate their move from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Orlando, Florida, where her son Gareth, whom she describes as "the reason for her life," can receive treatment at a specialized clinic.

“I arrived in the United States four years ago seeking a better future. Never did I imagine facing the greatest challenge as a mother: at just two months old, my son started showing symptoms that led us through numerous medical tests and consultations,” expresses the Cuban mother.

Eventually, Gareth was diagnosed with the devastating condition known as bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria, a rare neurological disorder causing uncontrolled seizures, developmental delays, motor difficulties, and progressive brain degeneration.

Further complicating his condition, Gareth also suffers from "agenesis of the corpus callosum, a brain malformation affecting communication between the brain hemispheres." Despite genetic tests during her pregnancy returning negative results for both her and her husband, they were unprepared for these challenges.

Seeking Advanced Medical Care

“Currently, we reside in Corpus Christi, Texas, where my son has been seen by multiple neurologists. However, they've informed us that they can do no more and recommended seeking care at a more experienced medical center for such conditions,” she explains.

After a month of hospitalization, Rafaela has decided to relocate to Orlando, where “there are hospitals recognized for their advanced pediatric neurology capabilities.”

The Challenges of Relocation

“This move brings significant challenges. My son requires around-the-clock care, preventing me from working, and my husband is presently the sole provider. Relocating means starting from scratch: no nearby support network, no job yet, and many expenses ahead,” she continues to explain.

Thus, the Cuban mother appeals for help to “cover moving expenses, housing, medical care, and basic sustenance while my husband finds new employment and we achieve stability.”

“Writing these words hasn’t been easy. I've always handled this process discreetly, trusting this phase is temporary. But I hold onto a word from God, a promise that sustains me: that this diagnosis will transform for the better. And I choose to believe it,” she confessed.

“Your support, whether through a donation or by sharing our campaign, directly contributes to this miracle. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for being part of this new beginning for Gareth and our family,” she concludes.

The plea for assistance from this mother has already raised nearly $11,000 of the $16,000 goal.