A Cuban father made a heartfelt plea on social media this Monday, seeking urgent specialized medical attention for his son, Dilan Rodríguez Rivera. The young boy, who suffers from bilateral retinoblastoma—a type of cancer affecting both eyes—has seen a critical decline in his health over the past few weeks.
Yandy Rodríguez took to Facebook to describe the dire medical situation facing Dilan, who is set to turn three on November 18 and has been battling this disease nearly his entire life.
Dilan was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma at around six months old. Despite undergoing intravenous chemotherapy with vincristine, etoposide, and carboplatin, as well as several laser treatments to both eyes, the cancer has proved relentless.
Recently, Dilan's right eye began to swell significantly, leading to severe complications. He soon started experiencing seizures, low blood pressure, and a general decline, necessitating mechanical ventilation and admission to intensive care.
A CT scan revealed a tumor in the suprasellar region of his brain, prompting doctors to consider the possibility of a trilateral retinoblastoma—a rare and grave complication—though no definitive histological confirmation has been made.
On November 3, Dilan underwent neurosurgery to address hydrocephalus and elevated intracranial pressure by placing a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to drain excess fluid from his brain.
Struggling for Adequate Care
Currently, Dilan is hospitalized at the Pediatric Hospital of Matanzas, a provincial facility that faced staffing shortages last October. His father is advocating for his transfer to the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital in Havana, a national hub for pediatric oncology, but his efforts have so far been unsuccessful.
"I have reached out to every institution and organization I could, seeking help, guidance, and a concrete answer. Yet, no one has provided a definitive solution," Yandy Rodríguez lamented.
"I've received responses indicating they are evaluating the situation, but the days go by, and we remain here, with no clarity on when or how the transfer will occur," he shared.
A Call for Humanitarian Assistance
Yandy Rodríguez is not just seeking a transfer within Cuba; he is also appealing for international humanitarian aid to take Dilan to countries like the United States or Spain, where he can be assessed by specialists in retinoblastoma and pediatric neuro-oncology. He acknowledges he lacks the resources for such a move and calls on organizations, churches, foundations, or any individuals who can help.
Families of severely ill children often resort to social media to pressure for swift transfers that the healthcare system fails to expedite. A similar case involved a six-year-old girl with an eye tumor who was treated in Havana in 2024 following her mother's public outcry. Another young girl was transferred to Italy in 2021 after her mother highlighted her plight through independent media.
FAQs on Retinoblastoma and Pediatric Health Care in Cuba
What is bilateral retinoblastoma?
Bilateral retinoblastoma is a rare form of cancer that affects both eyes, typically manifesting in young children. It is caused by genetic mutations and requires early intervention for effective treatment.
Why is international help being sought for Dilan?
International assistance is being pursued because Cuba's healthcare system may lack the necessary resources and specialized expertise to effectively treat Dilan's condition. Advanced treatments and evaluations available in countries like the United States or Spain could provide the best chance for his recovery.
What are the challenges in transferring patients within Cuba?
Transferring patients within Cuba can be difficult due to bureaucratic processes, limited resources, and staffing shortages in the healthcare system, often leading to delays in obtaining specialized care.