Aylin González Rodríguez, a mother from Santa Clara caring for three children with chronic illnesses, has brought attention to the poor quality of mattresses provided to her family. She described the mattresses as being stuffed with a material she referred to as "intimate nylon" rather than the expected standard filling.
"They gave sick children mattresses filled with intimate nylon. It's outrageous, truly outrageous. Tell me how I'm supposed to react to this. Now they'll probably blame the blockade too," she vented on Facebook.
Her post is part of a series of public outcries highlighting the challenging conditions she faces while looking after her young children.
Health Challenges Amidst Infrastructure Failures
Two of her children, a ten-year-old boy and a nine-year-old girl, suffer from PANDAS, a pediatric neuropsychiatric disorder associated with strep infections. The condition results in symptoms such as tics, obsessive-compulsive behavior, panic attacks, aggression, and self-harm, as the mother explains.
Her youngest daughter battles gastrointestinal issues, lactose and gluten intolerance, and asthma, along with episodes of diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
The family's struggles are compounded by prolonged power outages, which significantly hamper their ability to manage these health conditions. González emphasizes on Facebook the necessity of electricity for operating a nebulizer, preserving medications and food, and preparing meals. Adequate rest is also crucial for managing the symptoms of her two children with PANDAS.
Compounding Struggles: Water Shortages and Medical Emergencies
In addition to power issues, the family faces severe water shortages, with supply arriving just twice a month and often coinciding with power cuts, making it difficult to fill household tanks.
The family's dire situation was starkly highlighted on August 24, when González had to run two blocks carrying her daughter to the children's hospital due to a lack of funds for transportation. The child was suffering from diarrhea, vomiting, fever, headache, and skin lesions. Although initially discharged, she had to return to the hospital hours later and remained there for over four hours. They eventually walked home, according to González's account.
"While I risked a hemorrhage carrying my unconscious daughter to the hospital, unable to afford transport, they were driving to their meetings," she criticized, pointing to local officials.
Pleading for Urgent Help
González has sought assistance from municipal and provincial governments, the Communist Party, and social services in Santa Clara, only to be told to wait for a photovoltaic kit that would provide electricity to her home.
The mother herself struggles with health issues, being an oncology patient, insulin-dependent diabetic, and epileptic, having recently undergone surgery. She also alleges State Security surveillance and stigmatization for her pleas while she tries to earn a living by selling sweets.
"I have cancer, diabetes, and epilepsy, but I won't be silenced. My children urgently need help, not to fade away while I also fade trying to restore their childhood innocence and hope for the future," she declared.
The issue of subpar mattress quality is not new in Cuba. In August 2025, a mother discovered a repaired mattress filled with dry grass, and in 2024, a hurricane victim in Baracoa reported receiving a poorly made state-provided mattress.
González's demands extend beyond mattress quality; she calls for solutions to ensure her children have access to water, power, and essential care.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Crisis Facing Cuban Families
What are the health conditions affecting Aylin González Rodríguez's children?
Two of her children have PANDAS, causing symptoms like tics and panic attacks, while her youngest has gastrointestinal issues and asthma.
How have infrastructure issues exacerbated the family's struggles?
Frequent power outages and water shortages have made it challenging to manage the children's medical needs, including the use of a nebulizer and medication storage.
What has Aylin González Rodríguez done to seek help?
She has appealed to local and provincial authorities, the Communist Party, and social services, but has been told to await a photovoltaic kit for electricity.