Cuban singer Yeny Valdés, a former member of the iconic band Los Van Van, recently disclosed a harrowing health scare that nearly took her life. Following a severe medical emergency, Valdés spent almost three weeks in the hospital, oscillating between intensive care and regular hospital rooms.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, the artist shared that the incident occurred on November 2, but she chose to recount her ordeal only after the danger had subsided.
She recounted experiencing two days of high fever, initially suspecting COVID-19. However, her husband, noticing the fever was accompanied by severe shaking and her inability to stand, rushed her to the hospital.
Doctors warned that delaying treatment by even a day could have been fatal. "Had we waited a day more, I wouldn't be here to tell the tale," Valdés revealed. She was diagnosed with a 17 cm liver abscess, which had begun to spread infection into her bloodstream.
The diagnosis led to a grueling 20-day hospital stay. Yeny underwent invasive procedures, including aortic vein catheterization for strong antibiotics, fluid extraction from her right lung, and an arduous recovery process that required her to "learn to walk again."
"It was incredibly tough... but it's over now!" she wrote, expressing profound gratitude towards her husband's family, her own family in Cuba, her mother, and various deities of her faith.
Her heartfelt message concluded with special thanks to her husband, Erick Barbería, who she credited with saving her life by never leaving her side. She also issued a caution to her followers: "The best medicine is preventive care. I'm back in the fight."
Her post quickly garnered responses from thousands of followers, friends, and colleagues, who celebrated her recovery and sent messages of support, solidarity, and wishes for her continued well-being.
Ongoing Health Struggles
This recent crisis is not an isolated event. Since 2019, Yeny Valdés has been battling health issues that have raised concerns among her loved ones and fans about her physical condition.
In 2024, she revealed she suffers from a chronic, irreversible neurological disease, a condition exacerbated by the emotional toll of migrating from Cuba and adjusting to a new life in the United States.
In 2022, Valdés explained that the condition caused tremors in her left hand, particularly under stress or anxiety, necessitating biannual neurological check-ups to monitor her progress.
By January 2024, she publicly acknowledged her slow recovery, emphasizing that music and the love from her supporters had become her main emotional support.
"We should visit these places (hospitals) occasionally, even with our kids, to appreciate what we have and stop complaining so much," she said at the time.
After emigrating to the U.S. in 2017, Valdés had to leave Los Van Van. She expressed her gratitude to the "great country for its impeccable healthcare."
"May Olofi lay his hand upon us, and may we never lack the will and medicine to heal those who suffer," she added.
In April 2025, she joyously celebrated becoming a U.S. citizen, sharing photos with her certificate and the American flag—an important milestone amidst her ongoing adaptation, emotional challenges, and medical battles.
Now, having overcome one of her life's toughest challenges, she raises her voice not only in gratitude but as a cautionary tale: her story is a stark reminder of how delicate health can be, even for those who have silently struggled for years.
Understanding Yeny Valdés' Health Journey
What medical condition did Yeny Valdés experience recently?
Yeny Valdés recently faced a life-threatening situation due to a 17 cm liver abscess that began spreading infection into her bloodstream.
How has Yeny Valdés' health been impacted since 2019?
Since 2019, Yeny Valdés has dealt with ongoing health issues, including a chronic neurological disease that causes hand tremors, particularly during stress or anxiety.
What role did Yeny Valdés' husband play in her recent health crisis?
Yeny Valdés credits her husband, Erick Barbería, with saving her life by insisting on immediate medical attention and supporting her throughout the ordeal.