A Cuban Mother's Plea: Turning to Social Media for Her Daughter's Lifeline

From the city of Matanzas, a Cuban mother, known on TikTok as @ari_sarita25, has reached out for help for her daughter, Sara, who suffers from cerebral palsy. In a heartfelt video, she shared, "My daughter endures infantile cerebral palsy, a spastic quadriparesis with brain injuries. I'm pleading for assistance to enhance my child's quality of life."

The mother explained that due to her daughter's condition, she is unable to work. "Sara cannot walk or talk... my only option is to seek your help," she added. In response to a follower's question about her daughter's condition, she revealed that Sara was born at just 27 weeks, underweight, and requiring ventilation. "She experienced hypoxia at birth," the mother explained, which led to brain damage.

Medical professionals at the Institute of Neurology diagnosed Sara with "non-progressive encephalopathy of prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal origin, characterized by spastic quadriparesis and infantile cerebral palsy." The mother reflected, "It was a life-altering moment, yet I still wholeheartedly believe she can improve." Her daily efforts are dedicated to ensuring her daughter has a better life: "I want her to smile, to feel loved and happy," she testified, emphasizing her deepest wish as a mother is to see her daughter walk. "I will never give up, we will never surrender," she asserted.

Their story has sparked an outpouring of support, comments, and inquiries about how to assist. When asked about the father's involvement, she clarified, "Sara's father is present and works outside, yet it's still not enough for basic needs. A friend set up this account to help us move forward. If people are supporting us financially, it's out of the goodness of their hearts. My goal is to monetize through social media."

In a recent video, she expressed her gratitude: "Thank you to everyone who is helping from the bottom of their hearts. I understand times are tough for everyone, yet you give not from abundance, but from what you have. It speaks volumes about your generous hearts." In her post, she added, "Even small gestures mean so much to me and Sara. May God multiply your kindness."

Stories like this have become increasingly common on Cuban social media. Other mothers have also turned to the internet to share their struggles and seek aid. In Guantánamo, Yaimare Villafañe Romero reported her home being flooded after heavy rains, endangering her children, with no effective response from authorities. She shared her plight in a Facebook group, posting images of her waterlogged home.

In Havana, a woman with three young children sought food from comedian Limay Blanco. "I'm in the same or worse situation than you," Blanco admitted before organizing a solidarity event to assist her. The woman, living in Guanabacoa, struggles with low income and no support from her children's father, as Blanco recounted.

Another mother, Niuvis Figueredo, is fighting to secure a humanitarian visa for her daughter Meral, who is critically ill with leukemia. Through her Facebook profiles, she has issued a desperate appeal to save her daughter before it's too late.

Yaimara Ricardo Peña from Holguín reported that her son, recovering from brain tumor surgery, needs a valve to begin oncology treatment. She, too, is battling cancer and claims that while valves are available in the country, they are not being distributed to those in need. Her story has also been shared on social media.

These narratives depict a shared reality for many Cuban families: mothers who, facing a lack of access to medical care, social support, or decent living conditions, turn to digital platforms to seek immediate and direct assistance. Ari and her daughter Sara’s story is part of this collective cry for help.