Mariam Menéndez Collado turned this November 19, four years old. Picture: A courtesy of the family.
I introduce Mariam to you, the little elf who, with some touch of laugh and caress, makes a whole family happy, encircling her with affection; a family that, with full affection, celebrated the past November 19, her fourth birthday. The matter is that each birthday of this girl; even though it seem a common event, is, as her mother says, a miracle of life.
I think Mariam arrived at this happy day –really- because of a sum of loves. Without them, this event, of these four years, would have not been possible. She is one among the boys and girls, beneficiary of the surgery of hepatic transplant, done with a live donor, in Cuba; a successful operation which has permitted her to live, and for which, her mother thanks to science, the Cuban medicine, and to the fact of living in this country.
Mariam’s parents- Dacelys Valdés and Mario Luis Menéndez – say that when the little girl opened her eyes to the world, they never imagined how hard they would have to cope with this disease, together with doctors. She would never imagined how much she would have to require this professionals’ love to be able to get to each November 19, in order to celebrate their daughter’s birthday.
Those hard days in the William Soler Pediatric Hospital, which now we remember or know by photos, has opened the way to another album with happy snapshots of the family on the beach, enjoying themselves, with Mariam posing for our Web; or the child with mommy and daddy. Moments of tenderness, among many others after the operation, which has given strength to the family to face any other obstacles related to the child’s birth, which perhaps, may occur.
According to her parents’ commentaries, after this celebration, the anniversary number two of the transplant would follow, in such a glorious date for the homeland, as is December 2. They always consider this date as an opportunity, “which has to be celebrated likewise for the success.”
Congratulations, Mariam! We are sure in each of your birthdays; you will enjoy a beautiful day. In such a date, we all are wishing for your health and happiness, for peace and for a safe future for you to grow up, and for all children who deserve a better world.
Mariam after the operation, in the therapy room of William Soler Pediatric Hospital.
Mario Luis dressed in green, taking care of Mariam, after the surgery.
Dacelys, Mariam’s mother, in 2013, when she donates part of her liver. She shows the cut.
Mario Luis, Mariam’s father takes care of her in the hepatology room.
Mariam, three years old, happy on the beach.
Mariam is one of the children, beneficiary of the surgery of hepatic transplant, done by a live donor in Cuba.
Mariam now with her happy parents Mario and Dacelys.
Translated by Reynaldo Fernández
