CO🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/2/2026

“Recen por mí”: el emotivo mensaje del pequeño Lucas Murillo que conmovió a Colombia

A seven-year-old boy named Lucas Murillo is receiving specialized medical attention at the Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia after being diagnosed with a heart condition requiring advanced treatment. While undergoing care, Lucas sent a heartfelt message asking Colombians to pray for his recovery, which deeply moved people across the country. His plea caught the attention of President Abelardo De La Espriella, who publicly responded by urging the Minister of Health, Ana María Vesga, to take charge of the situation. The child’s simple request highlighted both his personal struggle and the broader challenges faced by families dealing with complex medical conditions. Medical specialists at the foundation are currently evaluating two potential treatments, Fontan surgery or a heart transplant, and no decision has been made yet. The family expressed gratitude for the support they received in Santander, where they were welcomed into the hospital system. Lucas’ appeal continues to resonate nationally, calling for collective solidarity during this difficult time.

Nueva EPS has confirmed that it will provide specialized treatment for seven-year-old Lucas Francesco Murillo García, who suffers from a severe congenital heart condition. The child, from Cúcuta, had previously reached out to President Abelardo De La Espriella, seeking urgent medical assistance. In response, the health insurance company stated through its social media account that it has carried out the necessary arrangements to ensure the boy receives comprehensive care. According to the statement, with the family’s consent, Lucas will undergo treatment at a specialized institution, where he will have access to the procedures required for his recovery. The situation came to public attention after Lucas sent a message to the president, detailing his medical challenges. Born with a serious heart defect, the child has undergone three open-heart surgeries during his seven years of life. He explained to the president that his mother had been fighting for more than a year to secure approval for certain tests and a catheterization at a fourth-level hospital, so that he could be placed on a transplant list. His message also included his aspirations for the future, expressing a desire to become a professional and support his family. He concluded by saying, “God has always helped me and I want you to help me too. I don’t want to die. I’m very smart; I do well in school. I want to keep learning, but if they don’t perform the transplant soon, I might die. Thank you, and as you say, ‘Firme por la Patria.’” Upon receiving the message, President De La Espriella instructed the Minister of Health, Ana María Vesga, to personally take charge of the case. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the child needed immediate medical attention. The minister responded by confirming she had contacted the child’s mother, who provided further details about the boy’s condition and the family's circumstances. She highlighted the emotional toll on the family, noting that Lucas has eight siblings and his father is also ill. The minister expressed hope that the involvement of Nueva EPS, the Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, and Dr. Víctor Raúl Castillo would bring renewed optimism to the family in Cúcuta. In addition to the government's intervention, Lucas has already begun receiving specialized care at the Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia in Floridablanca, Santander. Medical professionals there are conducting essential evaluations to determine the best course of treatment. Dr. Castillo, the institution’s president, outlined two potential options: continuing with a Fontan procedure or pursuing a heart transplant. However, no final decision has yet been made, pending the results of the ongoing assessments. The family continues to accompany Lucas during this critical phase, with his father, Luis Murillo, reporting that doors were opened for them once the child was transferred to Santander. Meanwhile, Lucas himself has called on the Colombian people to pray for his recovery. His simple request resonated deeply with many, reinforcing the emotional impact of his story. His message, shared through a brief video, captured the nation's attention and sparked widespread concern over the barriers faced by children requiring complex medical care. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that Lucas receives the appropriate and timely treatment he urgently needs, while maintaining the emotional support that has come from both national leaders and the general public.

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organisationNueva EPS Statement
organisationPresident Abelardo De La Espriella's Tweet

2 reports

SemanaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 709/2/2026

Pray for me: the emotional message of little Lucas Murillo that moved Colombia

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a humanitarian issue involving a child's health and the subsequent involvement of national leaders. While the president and minister are mentioned, the emphasis is on the emotional impact of the child's plea rather than partisan politics. The framing remains balanced, avoiding

Why factuality (85): The article provides a coherent narrative about Lucas Murillo's medical situation, including his current treatment at the Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia and the public response. It mentions the involvement of President Abelardo De La Espriella and the Ministry of Health, which aligns with comm

Why objectivity (70): The tone of the article is emotionally charged, using words like 'conmovió', 'emotivo', and 'sencilla petición' to evoke empathy. While it presents facts about Lucas's condition and the public reaction, it frames the story primarily through an emotional lens, emphasizing the impact on society rather

El TiempoIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 658/29/2026

New EPS responds to the case of Lucas Murillo, a child who suffers from cardiopathy and asked President Abelardo De La Espriella for help: 'He will receive treatment'

The article reports on the case of Lucas Francesco Murillo García, a seven-year-old boy from Cúcuta, Colombia, who suffers from a severe heart condition and has undergone three open-heart surgeries. After sending a message to President Abelardo De La Espriella detailing his medical needs and family situation, the president instructed Health Minister Ana María Vesga to personally address the child’s case. The health insurance provider, Nueva EPS, responded by stating they had made necessary arrangements to provide comprehensive care for the child, including treatment at a specialized institution. The article highlights the emotional appeal of the child and the government's subsequent intervention.

Bias read (Center): While the article covers a politically sensitive issue involving government action and healthcare access, it presents both the government's response and the health provider's statement without overtly favoring either side. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the facts of the case rather than ampli

Why factuality (75): The article accurately reports that Nueva EPS responded to the case of Lucas Murillo, stating they have made necessary arrangements for his care. It includes details from the child’s message to the president, which aligns with the cross-source consensus. However, it does not provide direct quotes fr

Why objectivity (65): The tone is empathetic and highlights the child's situation, which is appropriate given the context. However, there is some emotional language ('no me quiero morir') and emphasis on the urgency of the case, which may lean towards advocacy rather than pure reporting.

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“Recen por mí”: el emotivo mensaje del pequeño Lucas Murillo que conmovió a Colombia

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