Neldis Maceo Cabrera, the mother of young Érika Sabrina from Granma, has fiercely defended her family's decision to publicly seek help for her critically ill daughter, who suffers from an irreversible condition.
In a Facebook post, Maceo Cabrera made it clear she refuses to remain silent or bow to outside judgments while her daughter's life relies on the generosity of others rather than a health system that should be safeguarding her.
"The world will end the day I stop fighting for these three people," she declared. "I don't care about anyone's opinion. These are my daughters, and I will do whatever is necessary for their well-being."
In response to criticism and allegations of exploiting the situation by highlighting the poor healthcare conditions, she was unapologetic: "I couldn’t care less about the opinions of mediocre people. I will never be silent about something that affects my daughters. I’m proud to speak the truth, even if it labels me a traitor."
She concluded her message with a powerful statement: "When you find yourself in my situation, which I wouldn't wish on anyone, then you can say something. Spend five minutes in my shoes, and you won’t talk so much nonsense."
Urgent Call for Medication: "Every Minute Counts"
As the family faces online attacks, another Facebook post highlighted the urgent need for medication for Érika, now at home in Mabay, Granma.
Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, a Cuban activist based in Miami, issued a desperate plea for the medication on social media.
"Family, we urgently need medication for Erika. I will specify exactly what it is in the comments to avoid confusion," she posted.
She emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging those who might have access to the medication to reach out immediately. "Every minute counts. Let’s help this child because health cannot wait. We must prevent her from having seizures."
A Tale of Community Support Amid State Inaction
Érika's plight became public last week when her family made a heartbreaking request for something as basic as an ambulance to fulfill her last wish: to return home to be with her sisters.
Doctors at Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital in Havana had been clear: there is no treatment for her condition—complex arteriovenous malformations—an irreversible disorder that poses high risks of hemorrhages, seizures, neurological decline, and excruciating pain.
Érika was discharged with the devastating words: "nothing more can be done." All that remained was to honor her simple and humane wish to be with her family in her final days.
However, transporting her home required an ambulance with specialized personnel and equipment, which the state did not provide, despite its claims of a "free and universal" healthcare system.
The family warned that they might have to wait up to a month for the service, time Érika likely didn’t have.
It was then that Diasniurka Salcedo, from Miami, offered to cover the cost of a private ambulance. "The regime doesn’t provide the ambulance," she stated.
Following this public outcry, the government didn’t offer assistance but instead cut off the mother's internet access, leaving her isolated.
"It takes a lot of nerve to cut off a mother who’s only asking for compassion," the activist denounced.
Community Triumph Over Government Inaction
In the end, through donations and public pressure, Érika was able to return home.
She was welcomed back with balloons, gifts, and an impromptu celebration organized by neighbors who wanted to bring her a moment of joy amidst the pain.
"Where there's a will, there's a way," her mother wrote after the transfer. "Mothers, staying silent doesn’t make you brave; it makes you cowardly."
This family's struggle has revealed a harsh truth that contradicts official narratives: while the government touts its healthcare achievements abroad, a terminally ill child in Cuba cannot return home without private help, donations, and facing repercussions.
Today, Érika remains at home, surrounded by love. Yet, her health depends on obtaining a medication once again through Facebook rather than from a health system that claims to "leave no one behind."
And her mother stands firm against critics, for her, fighting is not just an option; it is her only choice.
Understanding the Challenges of Healthcare in Cuba
Why did Neldis Maceo Cabrera reach out through social media?
Neldis Maceo Cabrera turned to social media to seek help for her daughter Érika Sabrina, as the Cuban healthcare system failed to provide the necessary support and resources for her child's critical condition.
What specific challenges does the family face in securing medical support?
The family struggles with a lack of access to essential medications and specialized transport, as the state healthcare system does not sufficiently provide for Érika's needs, forcing them to rely on private donations and external assistance.
How has the community responded to Érika's situation?
The community has shown tremendous support by providing donations and organizing a welcoming celebration for Érika's return home, demonstrating solidarity and compassion in the face of governmental neglect.