Save a Child’s Heart (SACH) have saved the life of an eighteen year old Sudanese refugee who escaped the horrors of Darfur, left his parents and his seven brothers and sisters and crossed the Israeli-Egyptian border into Israel a few months ago.
When Jamal Mohammed escaped from Sudan he was not aware of his heart condition. He had difficulties but he didn’t realize that he is in a life threatening situation.
After an examination in the Sorokah hospital, Israel, Jamal understood that the only chance for him to live was to undergo a life saving Catheterization, a thing which is not achievable for a refugee with no rights and no money in Israel.
At this point SACH decided to help young Jamal and on August 19 he underwent a PDA device closure at the Wolfson Medical Center (WMC). The device, an umbrella-like mechanism was donated by AGA Medical Cooperation.
The catheterization was performed by Dr. Akiva Tamir, Head of the Pediatric Cardiology at the WMC and SACH Chief cardiologist. The day after the procedure Jamal was feeling much better and if everything goes as planned he will be discharged from the hospital and will be able to live a healthy and normal life.
Jamal lives in South Tel Aviv, near the old central bus station and has a status of “legal refugee” in Israel. When asked about his past and his family Jamal can’t find the words to answer, it is too difficult for him. The day before his catheterization, while speaking with one of the SACH volunteers, Jamal said he is grateful. He said he escaped Darfur in a hope to have a better life without realization that his life is in danger because of his heart condition.
Jamal is the first Sudanese to be treated by SACH and Sudan is our 36 country.