Following the untimely death of their 20-year-old mother from leukemia and bone cancer, two young girls in Havana are left in a dire situation. Their grandfather, who is now their sole caretaker, is urgently seeking assistance to keep the sisters together, as was highlighted on social media this Friday.
The young mother passed away after battling a disease that was only diagnosed in its advanced stages, according to her father in several videos shared on Facebook by content creator Yai Savón. The grandfather recounted that it took four months for the severity of her condition to be recognized, leading to her transfer to Havana's Hematology Institute.
"We realized how serious it was too late. They sent her home to pass away," he stated tearfully. Tragically, she survived just a week after returning from the hospital.
Now responsible for his two granddaughters, the grandfather struggles to provide basic necessities. The family lacks essential household items such as a stove and refrigerator, and they resort to cooking on the street outside a neighborhood church.
"Our living conditions are inadequate. We don't have a stove or a fridge. We lack many things and cook outside. It's a tough life," the grandfather explained.
With only a state subsidy of 1,500 Cuban pesos to depend on, he faces immense challenges in meeting the children's needs. This financial strain has forced him to send one of the girls to be on a "waiting list" outside the home.
The girls' father is currently fulfilling his mandatory military service and is unable to leave without official permission. The grandfather has made a public plea for the authorities to release him from his duties so he can return and take care of his daughters.
"That was her wish, for him to be here helping me, because I'm old and tired," he expressed.
In her final wishes, the young mother asked to be cremated, with her ashes kept at the family home. Meanwhile, her daughters face increased vulnerability following her passing.
This case adds to a growing number of similar situations that have touched the Cuban diaspora in recent months. Recently, 45 children with cerebral palsy in Cuba were receiving help thanks to community solidarity in the face of governmental neglect.
Similarly, a nine-year-old girl in Santa Clara encountered a crisis due to a lack of supplies for her hemodialysis. In these and other cases, the diaspora and social media influencers have stepped in to fill the void left by the state.
The Cuban Human Rights Observatory reported in August that 94% of Cubans live in extreme poverty, and nearly 34% of households had at least one member who went to bed hungry in the 30 days prior to their study.
Those wishing to assist the two girls can reach out to Savón through her Facebook profiles, where videos have been shared with the hashtags #yaiycarliayudan and #cubanosporelmundo, along with contact numbers.
FAQs on Vulnerable Families in Cuba
What assistance is available for vulnerable families in Cuba?
Vulnerable families in Cuba often rely on solidarity from the diaspora and community efforts due to limited state support. Social media campaigns also play a crucial role in gathering assistance.
How can international communities help Cuban families in need?
International communities can support Cuban families by participating in online campaigns, providing financial donations, and raising awareness about their situations through social media platforms.
What role do social media and influencers play in addressing poverty in Cuba?
Social media and influencers help by amplifying the voices of those in need, organizing support efforts, and mobilizing resources to assist families struggling with poverty and lack of basic necessities.