Cuban people will be able to say goodbye to Cuban child Damir Ortiz in the middle of this week at a funeral home in the city of Hialeah, in Miami-Dade County.
This was confirmed in a sorrowful message by doctor Miguel Ángel Ruano, who has taken care of the child's health throughout the entire illness process that led him to seek humanitarian visa to receive proper treatment outside of Cuba.
In a Facebook post, it was shared that the funeral services will take place at the Caballero Rivero funeral home, in Hialeah, by Wednesday or Thursday at the latest.
This location, situated at 373 W 9th St #377, was chosen for its greater capacity to allow Cubans in exile to say their final goodbye to the little one.
Several supportive Cubans collaborated to coordinate the funeral services. Currently, the deceased is being picked up at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, where the child passed away this Saturday, to be taken to the funeral home's morgue services.
Ruano expressed gratitude for the displays of solidarity and the support from all Cubans who, in one way or another, contributed to Damir's case and continue to be attentive to the funeral services.
Our little one is gone, our warrior hero, said the doctor, president of the Cuban Free Medical Guild, through tears. He added that in the coming days he will specify the exact date and time of the wake.
Damir Ortiz Ramírez passed away this Saturday at 5:00 am. In the last few hours, the minor's health condition had worsened.
Although the exact cause of death has not been revealed, it appears that he/she passed away from an extremely aggressive bacteria contracted in Cuba.
The news has shocked thousands of Cubans in various countries who had hoped for his recovery.
Damir suffered from neurofibromatosis type 1, among other health complications. He was transferred from Cuba in critical condition to receive specialized medical treatment, but unfortunately, his body could not withstand it.
The case of the child garnered significant attention because his transfer to the United States was made possible through an intensive fundraising campaign and support from Cuban civil society.
Moreover, his story highlighted the lack of resources and bureaucratic obstacles in the Cuban healthcare system, as Damir was a victim of a misdiagnosis and medical negligence in Cuba, where he was given an inappropriate treatment.
Frequently asked questions about the case of the Cuban child Damir Ortiz
Where can Cubans say goodbye to Damir Ortiz?
Cubans will be able to say goodbye to Damir Ortiz at the Caballero Rivero funeral home in Hialeah, located at 373 W 9th St #377. The funeral services will take place midweek, on Wednesday or Thursday, to allow exiled Cubans to give their final farewell to the little one.
What was the cause of Damir Ortiz's death?
Although the exact cause of Damir's death has not been revealed, it appears he died from an extremely aggressive bacteria that he contracted in Cuba. Additionally, Damir suffered from type 1 neurofibromatosis and other health complications, which worsened his condition.
What challenges did Damir Ortiz face in receiving treatment in the United States?
Damir Ortiz faced numerous bureaucratic difficulties in receiving treatment in the United States. The Ministry of Public Health of Cuba refused to issue the necessary documentation to obtain a humanitarian visa, arguing that Cuba had the resources to treat the minor. Despite this, thanks to an intense campaign of support and fundraising, he was finally able to travel to Miami for medical care.
What role did Cuban civil society play in the Damir Ortiz case?
The Cuban civil society played a crucial role in the case of Damir Ortiz. It organized a fundraising campaign that allowed for the necessary funds to be gathered for his transfer to the United States. Additionally, the community mobilized to apply pressure and overcome bureaucratic obstacles, ultimately succeeding in ensuring that Damir received the treatment he needed at a hospital in Miami.
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