Seven years after enduring the deadliest plane crash in Cuba in recent decades, Mailén Díaz Almaguer is opening a new chapter in her life by pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Theology at the Methodist Seminary in Havana. As the sole survivor of the May 2018 plane disaster, she expressed her excitement on Facebook about this academic journey, which she views as a divine gift.
"It has been a great privilege to begin the Bachelor's in Theology. Glory to God! They were days of effort, set aside to learn more about God. I am grateful to Him for all the people who made this possible. This is just the beginning," she shared.
Mailén also recalled a message that influenced her decision: the words of a bishop during a service, who told her that, even without a ministry or pastoral calling, she possessed something equally valuable: a dream.
Faith's Pathway After the Catastrophe
On May 18, 2018, the plane carrying Mailén and her husband to Holguín crashed shortly after taking off from Havana. Of the 113 people on board, she was the only one who survived.
She spent months in the hospital, underwent numerous surgeries, lost part of her leg, and was paralyzed in both legs. Since then, she has embarked on a journey of physical and spiritual recovery, which she describes as a "miracle of God."
Following the accident, Mailén embraced the Christian faith and is now part of a Methodist community in the capital. Her choice to study Theology solidifies this transformation, following years of rehabilitation and the struggle to adapt to her new life.
Balancing Psychology and Theology
Before the life-altering crash, Mailén was studying to become a nurse, studies she had to pause. In 2021, it was reported that she had begun psychology studies at the university, inspired by the professionals who supported her recovery.
In 2022, she clarified that she received no special treatment to enroll, but did so on her own merit after completing her pre-university education. "I wasn't given any career. What I'm studying is Psychology in an encounter course, something I can study by going to the faculty and enrolling," she stated.
Over time, amidst her physical limitations, she found faith to be a more powerful driving force. She now embarks on her theological education, convinced of turning her story into a testament of hope.
Life Beyond the Crash
Mailén's journey has been fraught with challenges, including denouncing the scarcity of medications and basic supplies for her treatment. She explained her need to use catheters multiple times a day and her difficulty finding gloves, lubricants, or even the antibiotic Nitrofurantoin necessary to prevent urinary infections.
"I'm not living the sweet life; I also struggle like everyone else," she declared in a live broadcast, addressing those who assumed she received unlimited state support.
She was adamant: "I don't have to thank the Cuban health system, but those who contributed to my wellbeing." Following her public outcry, she received help from Cubans inside and outside the island, including comedian Andy Vázquez, who arranged for medical supplies to be sent from Miami.
An Inspirational Journey
In a heartfelt interview in July of this year, Mailén shared how she copes with pain, disability, and the loss of her husband. She recalled only fragments of the airport that day and learned of her husband's death while in the hospital.
Since then, she has had to reinvent herself: learning to drive, undergoing rehabilitation at the CIREN, and living in the Siboney district of Havana, where she purchased a home with the compensation received from the crash.
In 2021, she managed to board a plane again, overcoming the fear that had haunted her since the tragedy. She documented it in a video, showcasing the view from above as a symbol of personal triumph.
Symbol of Resilience
Today, as she announces her admission to the Methodist Seminary, Mailén expresses gratitude and determination. She asserts that her aim is to deepen the faith that enabled her to rise after losing everything.
Her transition from psychology student to seminarian reflects a life in constant reconstruction, marked by adversity but also by hope. Beyond academics, her testimony remains a reminder of the health system's shortcomings and institutional neglect, but also of the willpower and the strength of faith.
From tragedy to faith, Mailén Díaz Almaguer's story is not just about surviving a plane crash, but also about a woman's quest to find deeper meaning in life, now rooted in spirituality and a desire to serve others.
Understanding Mailén Díaz's Journey
What inspired Mailén Díaz to study Theology?
Mailén Díaz was inspired to study Theology after a bishop told her that she had a dream that was as valuable as any ministry or pastoral calling. This, combined with her personal journey of faith recovery, motivated her to pursue a deeper understanding of spirituality.
How did Mailén Díaz survive the plane crash?
Mailén Díaz was the only survivor of a devastating plane crash in May 2018, where the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from Havana. She endured extensive injuries, including paralysis and the loss of a limb, but survived against the odds.
What challenges has Mailén Díaz faced in her recovery?
Mailén Díaz has faced numerous challenges, including a shortage of medical supplies and medications necessary for her treatment. She has been outspoken about her struggles with accessing basic healthcare items and has received support from both local and international communities.