Valentine’s day in the Save a Child's Heart children’s home was a true heart warming event. At the start of February, an online campaign was launched, aiming to raise enough funds to bring 10 children to Israel for life saving heart surgery.
Donors were invited to buy a virtual heart on our campaign wall, which included a personal message when touched and could be linked to a donor’s Facebook page and blog. The colorful online "Wall of Hearts" corresponded to a similar heart-decorated wall at the SACH home, the residence of the children and caregivers during their pre and post operative stay in Israel. Consequently, an amazing $53,000 was raised for the campaign.
One of the children saved was Woodley Elsyee, a 6 year old child who survived the Haiti earthquake and was rescued by the Israeli medical team and brought for surgery at SACH. During Woodley’s complex surgery, serious complications developed and his life was in danger. But brave little Woodley survived all the odds, recovered nicely in the hospital and joyously returned back to Haiti a few weeks ago.
Another child helped by the Valentine’s campaign was 5 year old Emilia from Angola. Emilia loves to learn new things and is an energetic and vibrant child. Due to her delicate medical condition, she has not started school yet, but returned to Angola last Thursday and is excited to start living her life like other children her age.
8 year old Youssef from Gaza, the Palestinian Authority, is another child who was saved through the campaign. Youssef recovered very quickly from his heart surgery. His happy personality ensured he kept smiling and continued playing with the other children the whole time.
Three other children were also helped thanks to your generous donations.
We would like to thank our champions and sponsors who promoted the page to their friends and family.