Another Hospital in Cuba

“What’s her name?” asked the doctor.

“Valeria Ginocchio,” said Natacha.

“With that last name, they’ll know she’s not from here; what’s your last name?”

“Pérez,” responded Natacha.

“Ok, Valeria Pérez then; here’s the form, now go take the X-Rays,” said the Doctor, who wanted to make Valeria pass as a Cuban patient, and treat her for free at the Carlos M. de Céspedes Hospital, in Bayamo.

The Céspedes Hospital is on the east side of the island, and treats most of common diseases, but needs support for complicated cases. It’s located in Bayamo, Natacha and Loly’s hometown, famous for a historical event during the revolutionary war against Spain; in 1869, the residents of Bayamo preferred to set the town on fire rather than let it fall in the hands of the Spaniards.

Over a hundred years later, Bayamo stands out for it’s hospitality. Natacha and Valeria were there, visiting, when neighbors and relatives recommended going to the Céspedes Hospital; they knew the doctors, who could pretend Valeria was Cuban. Checking another hospital in Cuba was convenient because Loly could help with the post surgery treatment.

The doctors accepted the case, but in order to determine if they could treat Valeria's mirror foot, they needed the X-Rays to discuss at the once-a-week board meeting.

In the meantime, Natacha was getting ready to get back to the United States, so with the help of Loly, they organized a good-bye party for Valeria with the kids of the neighborhood.

They needed a cake, but there was a ban on eggs due to some Cholera cases that had affected the other side of the island; it was minimum, and dwindling, but the government took no chances, and forbade the use of eggs or any sub products.

Still, Natacha went to the town baker—who had her own chicken and healthy eggs—to order a cake; the baker refused, arguing that she could have a bad time if authorities found out. Fortunately, one of Loly’s neighbors was the santera of the area, so she personally went and told the baker to prepare the cake, who had no option but to accept.

“If the police see you with the cake, do not mention my name,” warned the baker to Natacha when she went to pick up the cake.

The party was a success with more than 20 kids eating the disease free cake, and running after the balloons, which were luxury; balloons are pricy, so parties rarely have them.

The day after, Natacha went to the Céspedes Hospital for the results of the board meeting; they concluded that they lacked the capabilities to operate.

The Céspedes Hospital’s doctors felt bad that they couldn’t help, and offered to remove the extra little finger, hanging from Valeria’s left hand. Natacha would have accepted, but she and Valeria were returning to the U.S. sooner than the period to remove the stitches. Valeria couldn’t get treated at this other hospital in Cuba, but we’ll keep this place in our heart. 

Valeria's good-bye party in Bayamo, Cuba

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