The Cuban activist Yamilka Lafita, who goes by Lara Crofs on social media, has recently shared on Facebook new photos of Amanda Lemus Ortiz, a Cuban child who underwent a liver transplant in Spain. The images capture her in everyday life—joyfully playing in a colorful ball pit and waiting for the subway.
This post delivers a straightforward message to Cuba's health authorities: "Do you recognize this lovely child waiting for the subway and playing in a ball pit? Share it so that the Cuban Ministry of Public Health can see that indeed, her life was saved."
Amanda's story has touched the hearts of countless Cubans both at home and abroad. Born in January 2022, she was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a congenital liver disease that blocks bile ducts and can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.
Her plight gained widespread attention in 2024 when her mother issued a heartfelt apology on Facebook for bringing her into a country where the healthcare system was ill-equipped to meet her medical needs.
A Journey of Hope and Community Support
Amanda required a liver transplant urgently, but Cuba's healthcare limitations made this impossible, prompting a call for a humanitarian visa.
For weeks, activists, independent media outlets, and supportive Cubans came together to raise the necessary funds for Amanda and her parents to travel to Spain for the operation. She successfully underwent a liver transplant on March 15 at La Paz Hospital in Madrid.
The road to recovery was challenging; in December 2024, she was readmitted for a bile duct stent placement, and in January 2025, she underwent another procedure to remove a catheter.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
Despite these hurdles, Amanda's overall progress has been encouraging. By October 2025, Lara Crofs announced that Amanda was preparing to begin school and was receiving support for a language disorder, a common issue among children who experience prolonged illnesses.
As she turned four this past January, the activist described her as "a curious, playful child with a smile that this country denied you," referencing Cuba.
The latest pictures depict a little girl enjoying typical childhood activities in Spain, a stark contrast to what her life might have been had she remained in her home country.
Cuba lacks an active pediatric liver transplant program, forcing families to seek treatment abroad. Medical research published in Cuban scientific journals indicates that 80% to 90% of Cuban patients with biliary atresia ultimately require a transplant.
Amanda's case has become emblematic of the deficiencies in Cuba's healthcare system and the unity of its diaspora. Her story gained further significance following the death of a ten-month-old baby in June who needed a liver transplant but could not receive one in Cuba.
Understanding Cuba's Healthcare Crisis
What is biliary atresia?
Biliary atresia is a congenital condition in which the bile ducts are blocked, leading to liver damage and potentially necessitating a liver transplant.
Why did Amanda need to go to Spain for her transplant?
Cuba's healthcare system lacks a functioning pediatric liver transplant program, requiring families to seek such critical medical procedures abroad.
How has Amanda's story impacted public awareness?
Amanda's journey has highlighted the shortcomings of the Cuban healthcare system and rallied the Cuban diaspora, drawing attention to the need for systemic changes.