Abelardo De La Espriella surprised Lucas Murillo, the child who asked for help to overcome a disease.

Liam Santiago, an eight-year-old boy from Cúcuta, Colombia, has publicly appealed to President Abelardo de la Espriella for assistance with his medical treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In a video message, Liam explained that he suffers from the condition and requested support to return to Spain for a clinical trial scheduled for September 25. His family has already secured funding for the initial trip to Spain, where Liam received his diagnosis and began treatment last year. The child’s mother, Yeimy Natali Garcera, shared details of his illness through a GoFundMe campaign launched in March 2026, which highlighted the financial challenges faced by families dealing with rare diseases. The situation gained attention after another child, Lucas Murillo, made a similar appeal to the president earlier this month. Lucas had also reached out directly to de la Espriella through a video, requesting help for a serious illness. Following that request, the president confirmed that Lucas was receiving the necessary medical care and pledged to visit him in person in Cúcuta soon. This response demonstrated the government's commitment to addressing the needs of children facing health crises. President de la Espriella announced that his administration has taken steps to ensure Liam receives continued medical support in Colombia. According to official statements, Nueva EPS, the national health provider, has received Liam's medical records and supporting documents from his time in Spain. These records will allow medical professionals to assess his condition, confirm the diagnosis, and determine the appropriate course of treatment. The president emphasized that the government would not abandon any child and reiterated its dedication to protecting vulnerable members of society. Liam's case highlights the ongoing efforts of families seeking access to specialized treatments for rare conditions. His parents have been working diligently to secure resources for his care, including the initial journey to Spain, which they successfully funded. However, additional costs remain, prompting them to maintain their fundraising campaign. Despite these challenges, the family expressed hope that the government's involvement would facilitate further treatment options within Colombia. The president's engagement with both Liam and Lucas underscores a broader policy focus on healthcare accessibility for children. De la Espriella has previously stated that under his leadership, the well-being of children remains a top priority. His recent actions reflect a commitment to ensuring that no child is left without essential medical services, particularly those suffering from complex illnesses requiring international expertise. As part of the ongoing process, officials indicated that a new medical evaluation would take place in Colombia to confirm Liam's diagnosis and initiate treatment. This step aims to provide continuity of care following his return from Spain. The involvement of Nueva EPS ensures that Liam's medical needs are addressed systematically, allowing for coordinated management of his condition. The government's proactive approach seeks to alleviate the burden on families while providing critical support for children with rare diseases. The developments surrounding Liam Santiago illustrate the intersection of individual advocacy and governmental responsibility in healthcare provision. While private initiatives such as crowdfunding play a vital role in financing treatment, the involvement of public institutions is crucial in ensuring comprehensive care. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on delivering effective medical interventions tailored to Liam's specific needs, supported by both familial efforts and state resources.