The case of Adriana, a 10-year-old girl from Guantánamo with severe cerebral palsy and chronic malnutrition, sparked a wave of solidarity on social media that quickly raised the necessary funds to provide her with a decent and equipped home.
The activist Ernesto Pérez Rodríguez, who shared the story through Facebook, announced on Thursday the success of the fundraising campaign:
According to him enthusiastically, they managed to raise 881,000 Cuban pesos (equivalent to 2,400 dollars) in record time.
Of that total, $2,200 was allocated for the purchase of a house, located in the city and close to hospitals, which represents a vital change for the health and well-being of the minor.
The remaining 200 dollars were used to purchase a new refrigerator, an essential resource for preserving food and medications.
"We will deliver on Saturday," he specified.
In addition to purchasing the house with cash contributions, the campaign secured appliances, cash, and essential items donated by small and medium enterprises and supportive organizations such as Jamaica Corazones Unidos.
A home appliance company in San Lino and Crombet donated a rice cooker and a multi-purpose pot; a small business located at Carlos Manuel with 6 Norte contributed 20,000 Cuban pesos, while a third company, which preferred to remain anonymous, gave 80 dollars and a rechargeable fan.
The humanitarian group Jamaica Corazones Unidos also joined the cause, along with numerous individuals both inside and outside the country who contributed through national transfers and donations via Zelle.
Ernesto thanked everyone who participated, whether by donating, sharing the story, or making Adriana's situation go viral. He also emphasized that support for the family will continue to cover other future needs.
The solidarity campaign was launched on Wednesday, and in just 24 hours, it managed to raise over 600,000 Cuban pesos, equivalent to 1,650 dollars, thanks to contributions from national transfers and international donations through Zelle.
"Money raised for the case of the girl from San Antonio (Adriana): we have already rounded up to 606 thousand pesos (if anyone knows of a small house in that price range, please contact me on my WhatsApp 56107779), equivalent to 1650 dollars in just 24 hours...", Pérez had previously reported.
The case deeply moved social media users.
The girl lives with her mother in a precarious housing situation in the Acueducto community, in the municipality of San Antonio del Sur, without access to specialized medical care, adequate nutrition, or institutional support.
According to the public complaint by Pérez Rodríguez, the mother does not receive social assistance or a check, and has to walk several kilometers to take her daughter to the hospital.
The images released show Adriana's delicate state of health, which generated an immediate reaction among Cubans both on and off the Island.
In addition to the purchase of the house, the campaign helped secure appliances, cash donations, and essential items donated by small and medium enterprises and supportive organizations like Corazones Unidos from Jamaica.
The official handover of the house will be this Saturday, and Pérez has promised to continue providing support to the family.
This case has highlighted the institutional neglect faced by many homes with children in situations of disability in Cuba, while also demonstrating the real impact that citizen mobilization can have when united for a humanitarian cause.
Frequently asked questions about community solidarity in Cuba and the case of Adriana
How was the fundraising accomplished to help Adriana in Guantánamo?
The fundraising to help Adriana was achieved thanks to a solidarity campaign initiated by activist Ernesto Pérez Rodríguez through social media. In record time, 881,000 Cuban pesos were raised, equivalent to 2,400 dollars, to purchase a home and acquire essential appliances. The campaign was supported by small and medium-sized enterprises, solidarity organizations, and individuals both inside and outside of Cuba.
What is the current situation of Adriana and her family in Guantánamo?
Adriana and her mother lived in a precarious home in the municipality of San Antonio del Sur, without access to specialized medical care or institutional assistance. Thanks to the solidarity campaign, they now have a new house close to medical centers, which represents a vital change for their health and well-being.
What role do social media play in community solidarity in Cuba?
Social media plays a fundamental role in community solidarity in Cuba, as it allows for the visibility of cases of extreme need and swiftly mobilizes citizens to provide support. In Adriana's case, the sharing of her story on Facebook helped raise the necessary funds to significantly improve her life. These kinds of actions demonstrate the ability of social networks to create positive changes in the community.
How is Cuban civil society responding to the lack of government support?
In the absence of government support, Cuban civil society has taken on a crucial role in providing assistance to families in extreme poverty. Citizens are organizing to carry out fundraising campaigns, donate essential items, and purchase housing, thus addressing the shortcomings of the state social assistance system.
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