Holguín, Cuba – Two years following a vicious attack that nearly took his life, young Cuban Lester Domínguez is persisting in his recovery journey with a newfound sense of optimism. In a heartfelt social media post, his father, Dennis Domínguez, reminisced about the harrowing moment when his son fell victim to a machete assault while being robbed of his cellphone in Holguín, an experience that continues to haunt Lester.
Despite enduring months of hardships and undergoing numerous medical procedures, the resilient young man has made significant strides in his rehabilitation. However, he still grapples with the inability to walk. Dennis shared his son’s upcoming plans to enter Havana’s Julito Díaz facility next month to further his recovery, expressing hope for continued progress and divine intervention to aid in Lester’s restoration.
The Domínguez family remains grateful for the unwavering support of well-wishers, medical professionals, and the power of faith that sustained them throughout this arduous healing process. Lester’s case serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of violence and insecurity in Cuba, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals in the aftermath of such traumatic incidents.
Last July, on his 19th birthday, Lester embarked on a new phase of treatment at the Julio Díaz hospital, where he received specialized care for his incomplete C5 spinal cord injury. Although his recovery has been gradual, he has shown progress in regaining sensitivity and mobility, albeit facing challenges such as weight loss.
In the heart of Havana, physiotherapists have honed in on enhancing Lester’s chest, abdomen, and limb functions, exploring innovative techniques to propel his recovery journey forward. Financial constraints posed a significant obstacle for the family, prompting Lester to urge his father to seek alternative treatment options abroad to restore his ability to walk.
The prospect of seeking medical care outside of Cuba, particularly through Nicaragua, gained traction as Dennis contemplated overcoming the logistical hurdles and limitations that impeded Lester’s progress within the country. The power outages and inadequate resources further compounded the challenges faced by the family, underscoring the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure and security measures to safeguard individuals like Lester in the future.