A heartfelt appeal for aid has been circulating on Facebook, urging compassionate action for Miriam Joaquina Almanza Milanés and her son, who is deaf, blind, and mute. Doctors predict he has between five months to a year left to live. The family is enduring severe poverty in Manzanillo, Granma.
Community Call to Action
Susana Napoles, the creator of the post, identified the son as José Antonio Cortés Almanza. She encouraged those able to assist to visit their home directly at Calle 4ta number 5, between 5ta Avenida and Cañada, Reparto Horacio Rodríguez, Manzanillo.
"Let's support this mother. She lives under dire conditions and requires any form of assistance," Napoles urged in her message.
Images Paint a Grim Picture
Accompanying the post are images showing a cement block house lacking plaster, with a bare concrete floor and clothes hanging on makeshift lines. A deteriorated wheelchair, patched with fabric, and the young man resting on a bed with abdominal bandages, highlight the family's struggles.
Voices of the Community
Comments on the post reveal various perspectives confirming the family’s plight. A neighbor shared, "She is a very concerned mother, always searching door-to-door for medicine for her son. It's heartbreaking."
Another voice came from a past teacher of José: "He was a student of mine at the Bayamo School for the Deaf. Seeing him like this is soul-crushing. May God have mercy and bring healing to his life."
Olmer Beltrán Ricardo, a relative, also responded, "I know her, she is my cousin. We lived in Cayo Espino, but I haven't heard from her in many years. I knew the boy was in very bad condition, but I couldn't imagine this."
Another neighbor confirmed the harsh reality: "I am a neighbor, and they are indeed in such conditions. It's sad and painful."
The Broader Crisis
This case exemplifies the hardships faced by countless Cuban families with disabled members amid the island's humanitarian crisis. The Cuban government has acknowledged a severe shortage of wheelchairs. Minister of Industries, Eloy Álvarez Martínez, admitted the shortfall, with only 2,000 units planned for nationwide distribution in 2026.
The province of Granma is particularly affected. Earlier this year, international organizations donated approximately 200 wheelchairs to the region to compensate for the state shortage, but this is far from adequate given the extensive need.
The lack of equipment is exacerbated by the collapse of the healthcare system. According to UN data, 56% of essential medicines will be completely out of stock in 2026, with essential drug availability at just 30% of the typical supply levels.
In the absence of effective state intervention, social media has become the main avenue for offering solidarity to Cuban families in extreme vulnerability.
FAQs on Supporting Vulnerable Cuban Families
How can people help Miriam Joaquina Almanza Milanés and her son?
Individuals interested in assisting can visit their home directly at Calle 4ta number 5, between 5ta Avenida and Cañada, Reparto Horacio Rodríguez, Manzanillo, to provide support.
What is the current state of healthcare in Cuba regarding essential medicines?
As of 2026, 56% of essential medicines are expected to be entirely out of stock, with a significant reduction in availability to just 30% of normal supply levels.
What role do social media play in aiding Cuban families?
Social media has become the primary platform for extending solidarity and support to Cuban families in dire need, compensating for the lack of state intervention.